Image Credit: File Photo/Global BC

By Adam Donnelly

DRUG OVERDOSE DEATHS

Interior Health alarmed about rising illicit toxic drug deaths

Jul 16, 2020 | 5:20 PM

KAMLOOPS — On Thursday (July 16), the BC Coroners Service released the most recent numbers on Illicit drug toxicity deaths in the province. The news was not good. Throughout B.C., 175 people died from illicit drug use during June – including three deaths in Kamloops.

Dr. Carol Fenton, Medical Health Officer with Interior Health, says there are several reasons which could be related to COVID-19 that have changed how and why people are using drugs. That includes the closure of the border between Canada and the U.S., which could affect supply, among various reasons.

“People may be using in different patterns as a result of stress and people may be using in riskier ways. You know, not using together or not using supervised consumption services because they’re worried about the infection risk,” Dr. Fenton suggests. “We don’t know for sure, but those may be some reasons why things have changed now.”

The coronavirus pandemic has dominated the news cycle for much of the past four months. However, Dr. Fenton says Interior Health has continued to put in work on the opioid crisis. While deaths related to substance use have risen, IH plans to continue to provide services for people struggling with drug use issues.

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“We are aware here in Interior Health that it’s an emergency and a crisis. We’re working very hard on both public health emergencies at the same time. It’s really disheartening to see the number [of deaths] come out from this year, but it reminds us that we need to continue this work.”