Listen Live
Listen Live

22 illicit drug deaths found in Northern Health during August, September

For the nineteenth consecutive month, BC has recorded at least 100 illicit drug deaths.

According to the BC Coroners Service, 333 combined fatalities were tallied in August (181) and September (152).

Northern Health recorded 22 deaths over the two-month span, with eight of those in Prince George.

“Once again, we are reporting record numbers of deaths in our province due to the toxic illicit drug supply,” said Lisa Lapointe, chief coroner.

“The tremendous loss being felt by families and communities across B.C. as they mourn loved ones lost far too soon is heartbreaking.”

So far in 2021, 97 people in our health region have lost their lives to illicit drugs, 35 of which took place in the northern capital.

In addition, 227 residents in the north have died while using illicit substances since January of 2020 – that equates to about 11 deaths per month.

There have been 1,534 drug toxicity deaths in BC between January and September of this year.

This is the highest number of deaths ever found in the first nine months of a calendar year and represents a 24% spike when compared to the same time frame in 2020.

71% of deaths this year alone are from those between the ages of 30-59.

The Coroners Service noted Northern Health continues to have the second-highest drug toxicity rate among all five health authorities in BC at 42.8 per 100,000 – nearly two points behind Vancouver Coastal at 44.6.

In terms of Health Service Delivery Area, the Northern Interior, which encompasses PG-Quesnel-Burns Lake and the Robson Valley has a drug toxicity death rate of 40.9, which is the sixth-highest in BC.

Vancouver is miles ahead with a rate of 65.6 – a difference of about 25 points.

“Our province is in the sixth year of this public health emergency, and the death rate due to toxic drugs has never been higher,” said Lapointe.

“Urgent action on a number of fronts is required, including much broader access to safe supply, more readily available and efficient drug-checking services, and a shift from a law-enforcement focus to a health-centered approach. The Province’s application to the federal government to decriminalize possession of illicit drugs for personal use is an essential step to address the drug toxicity crisis. Criminalizing those who use substances has done nothing to address this complex health issue and has resulted in greater suffering and marginalization. How many more deaths are we willing to accept to maintain drug policies and laws that have no basis in evidence?”

The detection rate of benzodiazepines has rapidly increased from 15% of samples in July 2020 to 51% in September 2021.

Since a public health emergency was declared in 2016, over 8,000 British Columbians have died from illicit drugs.

Here is a breakdown of the number of drug overdose deaths by age group:

  • Under-19 – 22
  •      19-29 – 213
  •      30-39 – 375
  •      40-49 – 334
  •      50-59 – 383
  •      60- 69 – 185
  •      70-79  –    21
  • Unknown –     1

 

Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].

Brendan Pawliw
Brendan Pawliw
Since moving to Prince George in 2015, Brendan has covered local sports including the WHL’s Prince George Cougars, Prince George Spruce Kings, UNBC Timberwolves, Cariboo Cougars AAA, and Northern Capitals U18 female hockey teams. Career highlights include play-by-play during the Spruce Kings' BCHL championship runs in 2018 and 2019, including the Doyle Cup win. He also covered the 2019 National Junior A Championship, the 2017 Telus Cup, the 2022 World Women’s Curling Championship, and the 2022 BC Summer Games. Brendan is the news voice on 94.3 The Goat and Country 97 FM, reporting on crime, real estate, labour, and environmental issues. Outside of work, he officiates box lacrosse and fastball, sits on the Prince George Sports Hall of Fame board, and co-hosts the Hockey North podcast.

Continue Reading

cjci Now playing play

cirx Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

Hartley’s Sports Shorts; Monday, September 15th

Prince George Kodiaks  35  Valley Huskers (Chilliwack)  35   (Saturday tie)The Huskers scored the go-ahead touchdown to make it 35-34 with 40 seconds left in the game, however the Kodiaks tied the game with 4.8 seconds remaining on a missed 15-yard field goal that went for a single point.

Prince George’s Terry Fox Run brings in $16,000 and counting

Hundreds of Prince George residents put shoes to pavement for the 45th Annual Terry Fox Run this morning (Sunday) in Lheidli T'enneh Memorial Park."We have made it bigger and better this year," said Organizer Sylvia Masich. 

City Council to discuss e-scooter pilot project

Prince George City Council will be taking a look at a pilot project that would bring electric kick scooters to the City. At this week's meeting, taking place on Wednesday, City Council will discuss a report on the pilot project, which is being put on by the Province. 

Cougars drop final preseason matchup in Quesnel

The Prince George Cougars capped off the preseason with a 3-2 overtime loss to the Kamloops Blazers at the West Fraser Centre in Quesnel. Dmitri Yakutsenak, a new import player for the Cougars, opened the scoring 15:17 into the opening frame, with Kayden Lemire and Carson Carels picking up assist. 

Wild fourth quarter ends in a tie for Kodiaks and Huskers

Possibly the most anti-climactic finish to an exciting final few minutes, the Prince George Kodiaks and Valley Husker fought hard to a 35-35 draw."Tough team, Chilliwack's a good team, we found a way to hurt ourselves again, that's eight games in a row of hurting ourselves," said Kodiaks Head Coach Jamie Boreham. 
- Advertisement -