Prince George records two illicit drug overdose deaths in February

It's sombre news across B.C. and in Prince George in the ongoing opioid crisis. 

According to the latest data provided by the BC Coroners Service, the province saw 155 illicit drug toxicity deaths last month, the largest number ever recorded in the month of February. 

The total is a 107 per cent increase over the number of deaths compared to February 2020, but is also an 11 per cent decrease compared to deaths during the first month of 2021 (174). 

Last month, Prince George saw two more illicit drug overdose deaths, which brings the city's total to nine for 2021 thus far. 

Prince George broke a 10-year record of 58 deaths in 2020. 

"The number of deaths due to toxic illicit drugs in February highlights the ongoing critical risk to public health and safety from the illicit drug market," B.C. Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe says in a statement. 

"I extend my sincere sympathy to everyone who has lost a beloved family member or friend to substance use. The continued tragic and unprecedented rate of death in B.C. highlights the urgent need for a multi-faceted, evidence-based and accessible system of care for those experiencing problematic substance use."

Illicit Drug Toxicity Death Rates by Health Authority, 2011-2021. BC Coroners Service.

The BC Coroners Service says an average of 5.5 lives were lost a day in February, which is the second straight month where daily deaths have been above five per cent. 

"This data emphasizes the alarming increase in the toxicity of the illicit drug supply throughout B.C.," Lapointe adds.

"Across the province, the risk of serious harm or death is very real for anyone using a substance purchased from the illicit market. Decisive action is urgently needed to ensure an accessible, regulated safe supply and to provide people with the supervised consumption, treatment and recovery services they need."

The BC Coroners Service adds Northern Health has the highest rate in the province this year with 58 deaths per 100,000. 

The authority has recorded a total of 28 illicit drug overdose deaths in 2021.

The northern interior, which includes Prince George, has the highest amount of deaths to date with 12, followed by the northwest and northeast who both have eight.

No deaths have been reported at supervised consumption or drug overdose prevention sites.