B.C. Coroners Service numbers show increasing numbers of overdose deaths in Prince George and the region.
According to the agency's latest statistics, the numbers and rates of illicit drug overdose deaths in PG and in the Northern Health Authority are on the rise.
The number of illicit drug overdose deaths increased in Northern Health in September 2018 compared to August 2018. Thirty people in Prince George have died from an illicit drug overdose this year (January to September). For comparison, 23 people died in 2017 and 18 people died in 2016. Back in 2008, overdose claimed two people.
If we look at the numbers that include the entire Northern Health Authority, which delivers services across northern British Columbia, 60 people have died in 2018 so far. Thirty-nine of those deaths occurred in the northern interior specifically; the remaining 15 occurred in the northeast and the other six occurred in the northwest.
In 2017, 60 people also died of an illicit drug overdose across the health authority, but in 2016 the number was lower (51). In 2008, six people died.
The rate of illicit drug overdoses per 100,000 individuals for the Northern Health Authority has also increased. It’s now at 28 (the highest it’s ever been), whereas in 2017, it was 21.2, and in 2008 it was 2.1.
The rate per for the northern interior, specifically, is at 37.2, which is a huge jump from the 2017 rate of 24.5, and the 2016 rate (16.6).
Looking at B.C. as a whole, the latest coroner's report says there were 128 suspected drug overdose deaths in September 2018. This is a 38 per cent increase over the number of deaths occurring in September 2017 (93) and an eight per cent increase over the number of deaths occurring in August 2018 (118).
Rates of illicit drug overdose deaths are highest in Vancouver, Thompson Cariboo, Northern Interior, Okanagan and south Vancouver Island.
The report also concludes that Illicit fentanyl-detected deaths appear to account for the increase in illicit drug overdose deaths since 2012 as the number of illicit drug overdose deaths excluding fentanyl-detected has remained relatively stable since 2011 (average of 292 deaths per year).
The stats also show that most illicit drug overdose deaths occur inside private residences, with only eight per cent taking place outside. The province has seen no deaths at supervised consumption or drug overdose prevention sites.
