opioid deaths

Advocates for decriminalization and safe supply of drugs stood outside Nelson’s city hall on April 14th. In the month of April, 161 British Columbians died from the toxic drug supply, according to the BC Coroners Service. (Bill Metcalfe/News Staff)

B.C. sees 161 people die to toxic drug crisis in April, amid calls for safer supply

April death rates highest in Northern Health and Vancouver Coastal Health

 

People hold signs during a memorial march to remember victims of overdose deaths in Vancouver in 2020. In March 2022, 165 people died of toxic drug poisoning in B.C. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

More than 5 British Columbians died a day from toxic drug poisoning in March

165 people died in total, down from 174 in February and 207 in January

 

This graph shows the increase in Illicit Drug Toxicity Deaths in all health authorities in B.C., based on data provided by the BC Coroners Service. (BC Centre for Disease Control image)

‘Everyone’s best friend’ dies from toxic drugs in Salmon Arm, sister lobbies for safe drug supply

Family, health-care professionals see removing stigma of addictions also key to saving lives

 

Lavatta Frank and William Pierre Jr. sing Indigenous songs at the legislature steps Thursday morning. (Kiernan Green/News Staff)

Rallying moms; some dads, call for more action to reduce B.C. opioid deaths

Moms Stop the Harm leaders considering trip to Ottawa for discussion with PM on issue

Lavatta Frank and William Pierre Jr. sing Indigenous songs at the legislature steps Thursday morning. (Kiernan Green/News Staff)
Penticton saw a record number of overdoses in 2021. (File photo)

2021 worst year for fatal overdoses in Penticton

Penticton saw more deaths per capita than Surrey due to drug overdoses

Penticton saw a record number of overdoses in 2021. (File photo)
From January until the end of September 2021, a total of 1,534 overdose deaths were recorded in British Columbia. (Black Press file photo)

EDITORIAL: A health emergency continues to rage

Illicit drug overdose deaths are a serious problem throughout British Columbia

  • Nov 24, 2021
From January until the end of September 2021, a total of 1,534 overdose deaths were recorded in British Columbia. (Black Press file photo)
Jodi Higgs (right) holds a vial of naloxone and Christine Christensen holds a kit in the parking lot of the Pacific Community Resources Society in Chilliwack on Thursday, May 20, 2021. The society is offering a number of upcoming events, workshops and videos to help educate friends and family members who have loved ones that are drug users. (Jenna Hauck/ Chilliwack Progress)

Educating family, friends key to helping ‘hidden’ population of substance users

Naloxone training one of many ways to help folks closest to unseen population of opioid users

Jodi Higgs (right) holds a vial of naloxone and Christine Christensen holds a kit in the parking lot of the Pacific Community Resources Society in Chilliwack on Thursday, May 20, 2021. The society is offering a number of upcoming events, workshops and videos to help educate friends and family members who have loved ones that are drug users. (Jenna Hauck/ Chilliwack Progress)
Ambulance crews have been busy with a record number of emergency overdose calls this Wednesday, April 21. (BC Emergency Health Services)

B.C. paramedics responded to a record 138 overdose calls in a single day

Wednesday’s calls included 48 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region and 51 in Fraser Health

Ambulance crews have been busy with a record number of emergency overdose calls this Wednesday, April 21. (BC Emergency Health Services)
According to a new poll, a majority of Canadians want to see illicit drugs decriminalized. (THE ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Majority of Canadians think it’s high time to decriminalize illicit drugs: poll

More than two-times the B.C. residents know someone who died from an overdose compared to rest of Canada

According to a new poll, a majority of Canadians want to see illicit drugs decriminalized. (THE ASSOCIATED PRESS)
There were 44 reported overdoses in April in Penticton, prompting Interior Health to issue a public health alert warning of a possible tainted drug supply. (File photo)

Fentanyl contaminated stimulants a possible factor in April’s overdose spike: Interior Health

‘We have two public health emergencies going on at the same time,’ said Dr. Karin Goodison.

There were 44 reported overdoses in April in Penticton, prompting Interior Health to issue a public health alert warning of a possible tainted drug supply. (File photo)
Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond, law professor at UBC and former B.C. representative for children and youth, adds her voice to the call for a coroner’s inquest into the death of Elliot Eurchuk. (Submitted)

Call gets louder for coroner’s inquest into B.C. teen’s overdose death

Former B.C. representative for children and youth weighs in with her support

Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond, law professor at UBC and former B.C. representative for children and youth, adds her voice to the call for a coroner’s inquest into the death of Elliot Eurchuk. (Submitted)