BC set to break overdose death record as province launches awareness campaign

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – BC remains on track to have a record number of annual overdose deaths in 2016, despite seeing a drop in August deaths over last year, according to new numbers from the province.

BC’s Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe says there were 49 overdose deaths in August, down from 55 in 2015. As of the end of last month, 488 people have died this year, just 17 less than all of 2015 with four months left to go.

A public health emergency was declared province-wide earlier this year following an uptick in overdose deaths, many of them linked to drugs laced with the powerful opioid fentanyl.

“Illicit drug overdoses have affected far too many of BC’s families,” Health Minister Terry Lake says.

“Tackling this problem requires a massive effort, and the dedication I’m seeing from everyone working on this is incredibly moving. No one wants more families to suffer and we’re working together as quickly as we can to prevent future tragedies.”

Although fentanyl-related death statistics will take a little while longer, Lapointe says most of the overdoses were caused by fentanyl mixed into the cocaine of unsuspecting users.

A recent report from Vancouver Coastal Health discovered 86 per cent of drugs checked over weeks at that facility contained fentanyl.

That number isn’t necessarily surprising to drug users or those who try to help them, but it brings into focus the level at which fentanyl has become intertwined with the local drug supply.

The provincial government has announced the launch of a new public awareness campaign to warm opioid users about the dangers of fentanyl-laced drugs and the Health ministry approved a College of Pharmacists request to amend Drug Schedules regulation to deregulate and unschedule emergency use of naloxone. The move means naloxone can be sold at more places besides pharmacies such as health care sites, treatment

The move means naloxone can be sold at more places besides pharmacies such as health care sites, treatment centres and community agencies.

Naloxone, which can reverse the effects of opioid overdoses, has been made widely available since the public health emergency was declared, and other measures, such as extending the hours of Vancouver’s supervised injection site on the Downtown Eastside, are also aimed at cutting overdose deaths.

Earlier this month, Vancouver Police said their officers and civilian staff would be provided with the nasal form of Naloxone to an effort to prevent one of their members from accidentally overdosing while handling evidence or responding to a call.

 

A recent report from Vancouver Coastal Health discovered 86 per cent of drugs checked over weeks at that facility contained fentanyl.

That number isn’t necessarily surprising to drug users or those who try to help them, but it brings into focus the level at which fentanyl has become intertwined with the local drug supply.

NDP reacts

Opposition members aren’t happy with the government’s response.

NDP leader John Horgan says the awareness campaign is too little.

He says it’s troubling the Liberals are worried about another ad campaign instead of getting boots on the ground to help.

“Very concerned. The fentanyl issue has been percolating for months and months and again the Liberals have stood idly by.”

He says the answer lies in putting together a harm reduction plan.