Kamloops suffers 13 deaths in July due to toxic drug supply

Aug 29, 2023 | 2:27 PM

KAMLOOPS — Kamloops lost 13 more lives in July due to the toxic drug supply.

New figures released Tuesday (Aug. 29) by the BC Coroners Service show 56 deaths due to illicit drugs in Kamloops as of July 2023, up from 43 at the end of June. Kamloops suffered its deadliest year in 2022 with 92 fatalities.

Overall, B.C. saw 198 deaths in July due to illicit drugs, pushing the year-to-date total to 1,455. B.C. remains on pace to surpass its deadly record of 2,383 deaths in one year in 2022.

“In just two days, we’ll recognize International Overdose Awareness Day,” Lisa Lapointe, B.C.’s chief coroner says. “This most sombre of occasions is an important opportunity to recognize all our family members, friends, colleagues and neighbours who have been lost to unregulated drugs. While we honour their memory and grieve alongside their loved ones, we must urge decision-makers to do more to stop these preventable deaths from occurring. The critical risks and losses of life resulting from this public health emergency deserve an urgent response. We must not accept the continued loss of six lives each and every day.”

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Within the Thompson Cariboo Shuswap health service delivery area, 90 deaths have been reported over the first seven months of 2023 for a rate of 61.8 per 100,000 people. Interior Health recorded 253 deaths during that time.

The coroners service’s figures can be viewed here.

by Aaron Schulze

Kamloops suffers 13 deaths in July due to toxic drug supply

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