Toxic-drug death rate drops

The number of unregulated toxic-drug deaths in Nelson has dropped significantly in 2024, according to the B.C. Coroners Service.

Statistics released by the service up to August revealed six deaths in the Nelson local health area for the first eight months of 2024, compared to 17 last year and 12 in 2022.

Across the province, unregulated toxic drugs claimed the lives of 187 British Columbians in August and 183 in September, according to the BC Coroners Service.

The preliminary data finds that since January 2024, at least 1,749 people have died from unregulated drug toxicity in communities throughout the province. Fentanyl was detected in 85 per cent and stimulants in 81 per cent of unregulated drug deaths in September 2024 that underwent expedited toxicological testing.

The data for the first nine months of 2024 represent an eight per cent decrease from the number of deaths during the first nine months of 2023 (1,896). In both August and September, approximately six people died each day from suspected unregulated drugs.

The Interior Health region had the highest toxic-drug death rate per 100,000 people in the province, with a rate of 5.6.

“Although the rate of toxic-drug deaths this year continues to decrease compared to the past three years, the rate of toxic-drug deaths and the impact of toxic drugs circulating in B.C. communities remains unacceptable,” a press release from the ministry of Mental Health and Addictions read.

The new Opioid Treatment Access Line is available to people in all parts of B.C. to help them get fast access to addictions care. No matter where you live in the province, you can call 1 888 804-8111 to access same-day support, including medications and connection to health professionals.