B.C. ramping up response to the leaping number of overdose deaths

The province is ramping up its response to the leaping number of overdose deaths related to illicit drugs.

The coroner says B-C set records for the highest number of overdose deaths in May and broke that record in June as supply issues during the pandemic have made illicit drugs increasingly toxic.

Mental Health and Addictions Minister Judy Darcy says a total of 29 new supervised consumption or inhalation services will open around B-C and more staff will ensure users are connected to the help they need.

She says the funds come from 10.5-million dollars set aside to aid those who have seen devastating consequences while using substances during the dual public health emergencies of the pandemic and the opioid crisis.