Image Credit: File photo

By Ashley Legassic

OVERDOSE DEATHS

Interior Health has lowest rate of overdose deaths in the province: BC Coroners Service

Oct 16, 2019 | 3:20 AM

KAMLOOPS — It’s been more than three years since a public health emergency was declared in B.C. over a spike in opioid-related overdose deaths — and numbers appear to be trending downward.

According to new numbers from the BC Coroners Service, 24 people have died of illicit drug overdoses in Kamloops between January and August of 2019.

As of now, the city is on track for fewer overdose deaths compared to 46 deaths in 2018.

Out of all health authorities in the province, Interior Health has the lowest rate of overdose deaths and the second-lowest number of overdose deaths.

Across the province, the BC Coroners Service says there were 79 suspected drug overdose deaths in August of this year, representing a 37 per cent decrease from the number of deaths in August 2018, and a 13 per cent increase from the number of deaths in July 2019.

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71 per cent of those who have died this year were aged 30 to 59 years old. Men accounted for 77 per cent of all suspected overdose deaths in 2019.

By local health area, the rates of overdose deaths are highest in Princeton, Grand Forks, Hope, Vancouver, and Keremeos.

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

For the full report, go here.