British Columbia recorded its lowest monthly number of illicit drugs overdose deaths in more than four years, which partly explains British Columbia Coroners Service There is a “significant decline” in the number of deaths this year.
A press release from the service indicates that 1,925 people have died from overdose this year, a decrease of 9% compared to the first 10 months of 2023.
The 155 people who died from drug poisoning in October also represent a decrease from the 183 people who died in September.
The office says it doesn’t have data to suggest why there are fewer deaths, but “it’s consistent with reports from other jurisdictions” and officials are working to understand the change.
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Despite this improvement, unregulated toxic drugs remain the leading cause of unnatural deaths in British Columbia among people aged 10 to 59 and are responsible for more deaths than homicides, suicides, accidents and natural diseases reunited.
The service says 22 percent of deaths in October were women and that by 2024 the death rate among women and girls has more than doubled compared to five years ago.
But there were no deaths in October from unregulated medications for under-19s.
Health Minister Josie Osborne said in a statement that her thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of the 155 people who died.
“The supply of toxic medicines remains one of the most serious threats to public health, affecting people from all walks of life. Although we have seen encouraging progress, with the lowest number of deaths in four years, there is still much to do,” she said.
© 2024 The Canadian Press