As the opioid crisis continues in B.C., Prince George's death toll has tragically risen once again.
According to the latest illicit drug overdose data released by the BC Coroners Service, in March, seven more people lost their lives in the northern capital, which now brings the 2021 up-to-date total to 16.
Prince George broke a 10-year record of 58 deaths in 2020.
Another seven lives have been lost in Prince George last month due to the illicit drug overdose death pandemic in B.C. The total for 2021 is now 16. #bcpoli #overdose #bcoverdosepandemic #cityofpg @PGMatters pic.twitter.com/4dtKHYxZX7
— Jess Balzer (@jessicajbalzer) April 29, 2021
The BC Coroners Service says the province saw 158 deaths last month, bringing B.C.'s total to 498 since January.
"Once again, we are reminded of the incredible toll that the toxic drug emergency is having on communities throughout our province," Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe said in a statement.
"The illicit drug supply in British Columbia is volatile and unpredictable, and anyone using a substance from this unregulated market is vulnerable to serious injury or death."
The 158 provincial deaths is a 41 per cent increase compared to March 2020 when 112 deaths were recorded. It also ties the previous high for the month of March, which occurred in 2018.
For the third consecutive month, more than five B.C. residents lost their lives every day on average.
British Columbia sadly lost 158 lives last month, which now brings the 2021 total in the province just under 500 at 498. #bcpoli #overdose #bcoverdosepandemic #cityofpg @PGMatters pic.twitter.com/AFM3fVCVEb
— Jess Balzer (@jessicajbalzer) April 29, 2021
"There are no simple solutions to the toxic drug crisis this province is experiencing," Lapointe added.
"Problematic substance use is widespread throughout our province, and evidence-based strategies, such as supervised consumption and drug-checking services, prescription alternatives and accessible and meaningful treatment and recovery options, are essential to reduce the death and suffering."
Northern Health has seen a total of 41 illicit overdose drug deaths in 2021, with a total of 130 being recorded last year.
The health authority also has the highest death rates per 100,000 individuals, currently at 57.
The BC Coroners Service says there have been no deaths at supervised consumption or drug overdose prevention sites.