Single overdose death reported in northeast BC for March

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The latest report from the B.C. Coroners Service says one person died because of a drug overdose in northeast B.C. in March.

That’s the same number reported in February, still down 75 per cent compared to the four deaths reported in January.

However, the report shows Northern Health has seen an increase in overdose deaths overall, reporting 21 in March compared to 19 in February.

The report says 192 overdose deaths were reported in March, an increase of 8 per cent compared to February and a decrease of 11 per cent compared to March 2023.

“Each month, the report issued by the BC Coroners Service is more than just a summary of statistics, it’s a profound reminder of the lives lost to toxic drugs in British Columbia,” said Minister of Health and Addictions Jennifer Whiteside.

“We mourn the passing of 192 individuals in March and the devastating loss to their families, communities and our province. These were people with hopes, dreams and stories cut tragically short by a crisis that continues to challenge us deeply.”

Northern Health has the highest overdose death rate so far this year, with 77.6 deaths per 100,000 people, followed by Island Health with 54.3 deaths per 100,000 people.

The province’s overall rate sits at 40.3 deaths per 100,000 for 2024.

The Fraser Health Authority has reported the most overdose deaths so far this year with 147, followed by the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority with 143. 

Northern Health has reported a total of 61 overdose deaths so far in 2024.

According to the report, the number of overdose deaths reported in March equates to 6.2 deaths every day. Vancouver, Surrey, and Nanaimo continue to report the highest number of overdoses by township.

The most common age groups to overdose are ages 40 to 49, making up 26 per cent of overdose deaths reported this year. The 30 to 39 age group also makes up 25 per cent of deaths.

Males reportedly account for 71 per cent of all overdose deaths this year.

This report comes after the province made changes to its decriminalization pilot program during the month of April.

The rollback saw drug use re-criminalized in public spaces, such as parks or hospitals. 

The change has received mixed feedback, with some figures like Fort St. John Mayor Lilia Hansen praising the changes while saying more still needs to be done, and others Peace River North MLA Dan Davies deriding the change as political posturing ahead of an election.

“Our goal is a future where every member of our community has access to the support they need when they need it, where no opportunity for recovery is out of reach, and where we all uphold the dignity and potential of every person who calls our province home,” Whiteside said.

“Our actions are relentless because we understand the profound costs of inaction.”

The report says fentanyl was found in 85 per cent of fatal drug overdoses that have undergone toxicology testing, with other common substances, including cocaine and methamphetamine.