While overdose deaths are trending downward across British Columbia, the Northern Health region continues to experience the highest toxic drug death rate in the province. According to the BC Coroners Service, Northern Health recorded 35 deaths per 100,000 people in February and March—more than three times the provincial average.
Twelve people in the region lost their lives to unregulated drug toxicity during those two months. Province-wide, 275 deaths were reported—132 in February and 143 in March. These figures represent a year-over-year decline of over 30 per cent and mark six consecutive months with fewer than 160 overdose deaths in B.C.
Despite that, Northern communities continue to face disproportionate harm. The majority of deaths involved men aged 30 to 59, and smoking was the most common method of drug use, cited in over 60 per cent of cases.
Toxicology reports show fentanyl remains the most prevalent substance in these fatalities, detected in more than 70 per cent of deaths. Other commonly found drugs include methamphetamine, fluorofentanyl, and cocaine.
Health officials say the continuing high death rate in the North highlights regional disparities and the urgent need for targeted responses. The toxic drug crisis remains a serious threat to public health, especially in Northern and rural areas.
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