B.C. reported 175 overdose deaths in July.
June of this year also recorded 175 overdose related deaths. In a statement by Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Judy Darcy she says that the majority of those overdoses were men between the ages of 19-49.
Prior to Covid-19 hitting overdose deaths in B.C. were on a decline for the first time since 2012. Analysis last year by the BC Centre for Disease Control estimated that 6,000 deaths were averted since April of 2016. This is due to the life-saving supports that are in place, including scaling up distribution of naloxone, the establishment of more overdose preventions sites and improved access to medication-assisted treatment. Efforts previously made have become strained due to Covid-19.
Social isolation and disconnection from in-person supports, along with financial issues have all contributed to the increase in overdose related deaths.
Darcy in the statement said, “The impacts of a toxic drug supply are being felt across Canada. From March to July, suspected overdose deaths jumped 85% in Toronto over the same period in 2019. In Montreal, July had the highest number of deaths recorded in one month since 2014. In the Yukon, overdose deaths so far in 2020 are double that of all 2019.”
Last week Canada’s chief public health officer, Dr. Theresa Tam called for the decriminalization of small amounts of drugs for personal use to help address the recent increase in fatal overdoses.
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