22.01°C Vancouver
Ads

Sep 29, 2021 7:20 PM -

This year continues to be incredibly sad as the number of people dying by toxic drugs persists at a tragic rate: Sheila Malcolmson

Share On
this-year-continues-to-be-incredibly-sad-as-the-number-of-people-dying-by-toxic-drugs-persists-at-a-tragic-rate-sheila-malcolmson
Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, has released a statement regarding the BC Coroners Service’s report on illicit drug toxicity deaths for July 2021. (Photo - Sheila Malcolmson/Twitter)

Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, has released a statement regarding the BC Coroners Service’s report on illicit drug toxicity deaths for July 2021.

"This year continues to be incredibly sad as the number of people dying by toxic drugs persists at a tragic rate. My thoughts are with everyone who is mourning the loss of someone they love.

"While we have been adding services and supports in an unprecedented way, B.C. is facing a rising tide of need.

"A lot of work is happening on the ground to make the large, systemic changes necessary to truly turn the tide on this crisis. We must confront this emergency from every angle to address both immediate and longer-term needs.

"So, while toxic drugs are circulating, we are asking people to look out for one another and help keep our friends and family members who use drugs alive. Knowing how to access an overdose prevention or safe consumption site and carrying naloxone can save someone’s life today, and we are continuing to add more overdose prevention services.

Toxic illicit drug supply claims lives of 184 British Columbians in July

More than 1,200 people have died as a result of toxic drugs in the first seven months of 2021, according to the latest preliminary reporting from the BC Coroners Service.

"The deaths of another 184 of our community members in July is a stark reminder of the tragic and unrelenting trajectory of this public health emergency," said Lisa Lapointe, chief coroner. "We know that the loss of each of these individuals leaves a devastated circle of family and friends who are grieving the preventable death of a cherished loved one."

The 184 reported deaths represent the second-deadliest month on record in B.C. for drug toxicity, only two fewer than the 186 deaths recorded in June 2020. In the first seven months of 2021, 1,204 suspected drug toxicity deaths have been recorded, the highest number experienced in B.C. from January through July in any calendar year, and 26% more than the previous high of 954 deaths recorded between January and July 2017.

July 2021 is the 17th consecutive month in which more than 100 British Columbians have died as a result of the toxic drug supply.

Additional key preliminary findings are below. Data is subject to change as additional toxicology results are received:

72% of those who have died as a result of suspected drug toxicity in 2021 were between 30 and 59, and 79% were male.

So far this year, 84% of illicit drug toxicity deaths have occurred inside (55% in private residences and 29% in other residences including social and supportive housing, SROs, shelters, hotels and other indoor locations) while 15% occurred outside in vehicles, sidewalks, streets, parks, etc.

The health authorities with the highest rates of death per 100,000 population are Vancouver Coastal (47.2) and Northern (45.6).

Deaths due to drug toxicity remain the leading cause of unnatural death in B.C.

Latest news

wildfire-prompts-evacuations-in-fort-st-john-b-c-city-says
BCMay 02, 2025

Wildfire prompts evacuations in Fort St. John, B.C., city says

Firefighters from Fort St. John, B.C., and the provincial wildfire service are battling a blaze that the city says has prompted evacuations. A bulletin on the city's website says the fire is located in the Fish Creek Community Forest on the northern outskirts of the city. The city has directed evacuees from Rose Prairie Road and the Jones subdivision area to proceed to the Pomeroy Sport Centre. The BC Wildfire Service website indicates the out-of-control blaze was discovered Thursday and spans 56 hectares. The suspected cause of the fire is human activity. Kelly Greene, B.C.'
over-2-million-ninja-branded-pressure-cookers-are-recalled-after-reports-of-serious-burn-injuries
CanadaMay 01, 2025

Over 2 million Ninja-branded pressure cookers are recalled after reports of serious burn injuries

SharkNinja is recalling more than 2 million pressure cookers sold in the U.S. and Canada _ after consumers reported over 100 burn injuries spanning from a hazard that can cause hot food to spew out.According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Ninja-branded ``Foodi OP300 Series Multi-Function Pressure Cookers'' have a lid that can be opened while the cooker is in use. That can cause hot contents to escape, posing serious burn risks. SharkNinja has received 106 reports of burn injuries _ including more than 50 reports of second or third-degree burns. Consumers in possession of the
british-columbia-freight-train-derails-in-daylight
BCMay 01, 2025

TSB investigating train derailment incident near Field, BC

A freight train derailed early this morning in southeastern British Columbia. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is investigating the incident. According to the department, the incident occurred near the community of Field. It involved a freight train from Canadian Pacific Kansas City. A Canadian Pacific Kansas City spokesman said eight freight cars derailed about 12 kilometres west of the community at around 4:30 a.m. Spokesperson Terry Cunha said the cars were designed to carry automobiles. He said in a statement that no one was injured in the accident and that none of the cars wer
canmores-vacancy-tax-bylaw-deemed-valid-by-alberta-judge
AlbertaMay 01, 2025

Canmore’s vacancy tax bylaw deemed valid by Alberta judge

The Rocky Mountain town of Canmore will soon begin taxing homeowners who leave their residences empty for more than half the year. The new tax is part of the town's bid to reverse course on a cost-of-living crisis that has turned the once blue-collar town into an pricey mountain enclave. But the tax has upset many of Canmore's homeowners who use their properties seasonally or on the weekend, and who will be forced to pay about three times more in property taxes than the average primary-resident. Canmore Mayor Sean Krausert says the tax is not an attack on second homeowners. An
new-b-c-legislation-to-speed-up-public-and-private-projects-says-minister
BCMay 01, 2025

New B.C. legislation to speed up public and private projects, says minister

B.C. Infrastructure Minister Bowinn Ma says new legislation will speed up major public and private projects, including mines and other natural resource enterprises.The government of Premier David Eby has previously promised to speed up permitting to improve the provincial economy after last year's election, then amid tariff and annexation threats from United States President Donald Trump.Ma says in the legislature that the Infrastructure Projects Act tabled on Thursday will designate projects that are significant to the province and oversee the planning, procurement and delivery of major capit
ADS
Ads

Related News

ADS
Ads