7.8°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

long-wait-times-at-polling-stations-in-vancouver-during-federal-election
CanadaApr 18, 2025

Long Wait Times at Polling Stations in Vancouver During Federal Election

People had to stand in long lines for hours at some polling stations to vote in today’s federal election in Vancouver. Early voting stations opened at 9 a.m., and about half an hour later, a line formed outside the Roundhouse Community Centre in Yaletown, downtown Vancouver, where voters had to wait for an estimated two hours. Staff reported that when the doors of the community centre opened at 9 a.m., there was already a line of about 100 people. As a result, some people were turned away. During this time, staff could be heard apologizing. They explained that there were only four ballot ta
mark-carney-sets-liberal-agenda-amid-criticism-targets-trump-in-campaign-speech
CanadaApr 18, 2025

Mark Carney Sets Liberal Agenda Amid Criticism, Targets Trump in Campaign Speech

The Liberal Party of Canada, aiming to reclaim power, is set to release its official platform tomorrow, Saturday. This announcement was confirmed by Mark Carney during a campaign event in Niagara Falls. In his speech, Carney criticized U.S. President Donald Trump, stating that while America remains divided, Canada’s unity makes it stronger. During a press interaction, Carney distinguished himself from former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Responding to comparisons, he remarked, “I am not Justin Trudeau,” emphasizing that his leadership style and decisions are distinct. Highlighting his
ndp-faces-challenges-ahead-of-voting-day-in-canada
CanadaApr 18, 2025

NDP Faces Challenges Ahead of Voting Day in Canada

As voting day approaches in Canada, the New Democratic Party (NDP) is grappling with fluctuations in election polls. According to a three-day tracking survey conducted by Nano Research up to April 17, support for the NDP under Jagmeet Singh has dropped by 0.5 percentage points, reaching 8 percent. The competition between the Liberals and Conservatives remains intense. While campaigning in Yamachiche, Quebec, Jagmeet Singh criticized both parties. Speaking to reporters, he emphasized that the NDP is the only party prioritizing real growth in revenue and investment in Canadians, in contrast to
dgp-gaurav-yadav-confirms-arrest-of-happy-passia-in-america
WorldApr 18, 2025

DGP Gaurav Yadav Confirms Arrest of Happy Passia in America

Punjab Police DGP Gaurav Yadav has confirmed the arrest of Harpreet Singh, alias Happy Passia, a most-wanted individual in the state, in the United States. He announced that preparations are underway to bring him back to India to face justice. The U.S. investigative agency FBI has also verified the arrest, stating that Harpreet Singh was apprehended in Sacramento. According to the FBI, Happy Passia is linked to two international terrorist organizations and had entered the U.S. illegally. He is reportedly responsible for terrorist activities in Punjab, India.
advance-voting-begins-in-canada-ahead-of-april-28-election
CanadaApr 18, 2025

Advance Voting Begins in Canada Ahead of April 28 Election

Advance voting has officially begun in Canada, giving registered voters the opportunity to cast their ballots early at designated polling stations. Advance polls will remain open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. for four consecutive days, concluding on Monday. As of this month, nearly 130,000 Canadians have already voted using special ballots, according to figures released by Elections Canada. Special ballots allow voters who prefer not to wait until Election Day or advance polling days to cast their vote early. In other election-related news, the final English-language debate took place in Montreal las
ADS
Ads

Related News

ADS
Ads