Prince George tallies five illicit drug deaths in July

Northern Health recorded 18 more illicit drug deaths in July according to data released by the BC Coroners Service.

Five of those fatalities occurred in Prince George.

Province-wide, 192 people lost their lives due to toxic drugs – however, this represents a 15% year-over-year decrease when compared to July of 2023.

That still equates to about six lives lost per day on average.

So far this year, Northern Health has tallied 134 toxic drug deaths, 73 of which were recorded in Prince George.

In 2024, 69% of those who died were between the ages of 30 to 59 – 73% were male.

In addition, the rate of death among females is almost double when compared to 2020 – going from 13 deaths per 100,000 to 22 per 100,000.

Northern Health continues to have the highest death rate among all health authorities with a mark of 75.7 – the next highest is Island Health at 53.4.

In terms of Health Service Delivery Area, the Northern Interior, which includes PG-Quesnel-Burns Lake and the Robson Valley has the highest drug toxicity death rate of 100.2 – North Vancouver Island is rated 78.7.

Unregulated drug toxicity is the leading cause of death for people in British Columbia between the ages of 10 and 59, and accounts for more deaths than homicides, suicides, accidents, and natural disease combined.

Throughout the first seven months of 2024, toxic drugs have claimed the lives of 1,365 people in BC.

Mental Health and Addictions Minister Jennifer Whiteside issued the following statement: 

“Today, we mourn the loss of 192 lives to toxic drugs in July. The people we’ve lost are more than just numbers on a page. They are our family members, our neighbours, our friends – people who should have had more time, more laughter and more chances to make memories with those who loved them.

“As we mark International Overdose Awareness Day on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, we reflect on this year’s theme, Together we can. It reminds us that it’s through collective effort, we will change the course of this crisis. We must work together to turn the tide, recognizing that no single action can solve this. While we’ve seen some progress with fewer deaths this year, we cannot allow ourselves to become indifferent to this crisis. Every life lost is one too many. We must not, and will not, accept this as normal.

“To save more lives, we will continue to urgently expand access to treatment and recovery. Getting help should be quick and easy, no matter where you live in British Columbia or where you are in your recovery journey. We’ve launched the new Opioid Treatment Access Line to connect people suffering with addiction to life-saving treatment, no matter where you are in the province. Whether you’re in a city or a remote community, help is available to start you on your path to recovery. If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out. You can call 1 833 804-8111 from anywhere in the province to access same-day support.

“We are committed to creating a comprehensive and connected system of care that meets people where they are. That’s why we are increasing early-intervention efforts and expanding treatment and recovery options, while also improving access to life-saving harm-reduction tools. These combined efforts are essential because keeping people safe and alive is the first step toward recovery. Measures such as drug testing and take-home Naloxone are critical in protecting lives until individuals are ready to seek the treatment they need.

“We know there is still more work ahead. We will continue to keep pushing forward to build a better province for everyone. Mental-health and addictions challenges can affect anyone, and we are building a system where no matter what led you to addiction, there is a pathway out of it – toward hope and healing – for you. We carry out this critical work in honour of those we’ve lost to toxic-drug poisonings and so we can build a better future in their name.”