By James Peters

Overdose Deaths

Kamloops lost six more lives to overdose in August

Sep 25, 2023 | 11:47 AM

KAMLOOPS — Kamloops saw six more deaths due to the toxic drug crisis in August. That brings the year-to-date total to 62 such deaths.

The numbers are contained in a new report released Monday (Sept. 25) by the B.C. Coroners Service.

The province lost 174 lives due to overdose during the month of August, an 8 per cent decrease from August of 2022 and a 14 per cent decrease over July, 2023.

So far in 2023, there have been 1,645 overdose deaths in B.C., meaning the province is still on pace to surpass its all-time yearly record for deaths due to illicit drugs, set last year.

“We are continuing to lose members of our communities in heartbreaking numbers as a result of the toxicity of the illicit drug market,” said Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe. “No town, neighbourhood or family is immune from this crisis and as the years of this public-health emergency go by, more and more British Columbians are experiencing the devastating loss of a friend, colleague or family member to the illicit-drug supply.”

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