BC has set a new record for illicit drug overdose deaths through April with 722, breaking last year’s record by 1.
According to the most recent report from the Coroners Service, 161 toxic drug overdose deaths were reported in April.
While Northern Health saw the fewest total deaths, their rate of death remains far higher in 2022 than all other Heath Authorities.
So far this year, the north has seen 57.8 toxic overdose deaths per 100,000, compared to the provincial rate of 41.1, with no other Authority surpassing 47 per 100,000.
Detected in 85.5 percent of deaths since 2019, fentanyl and its analogues continues to be the leading contributor to the on-going crisis.
Illicit drug toxicity continues to be the leading cause of unnatural death in British Columbia.
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