Northern B.C. has reached record-breaking levels of drug overdose deaths, according to new data released by the B.C. Coroners Service.
By the end of September 32 people in the north had died after illicit drug use, three more than the 29 who had died in the same period last year.
In B.C. 555 people have died in this manner between January and September, a 60 per cent increase compared to the same time period last year.
In the Northern Interior - which covers Prince George, Burns Lake, Mackenzie, McBride and Quesnel - its 13 deaths are on pace to reach last year's record of 16.
At least 10 of the deaths so far were in Prince George and directly connected to fentanyl, according to data last updated to the end of August.
To coincide with the latest numbers, Ministry of Health gave an update on the province's efforts to address the issue, including expanding use of the life-saving drug naloxone through its take-home program.
In August, 10 months after the province changed regulations permitting more to administer naloxone, city council signed off on an agreement that would allow firefighters to use the opioid overdose-reversing tool.
