Coroners Service reports worst months for overdose deaths in northeast BC since January

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Four drug overdose deaths were reported in northeast British Columbia over the course of July, according to the latest Coroners Service report.

That’s an increase from the one death reported in June and tied with January for the most overdose deaths reported in a single month so far this year in the region.

Northern Health reported 18 overdose deaths in its coverage area over the course of July, down slightly from the 19 reported in June.

192 overdose deaths were recorded across the province, down 15 per cent compared to July of 2023.

“Unregulated toxic drugs continue to cause more loss of life in British Columbia than homicides, motor-vehicle incidents, suicides, and natural disease combined, tragically equating to about 6.2 people losing their lives each day,” said chief coroner Dr. Jatinder Baidwan.

“The unregulated drug market is volatile and continues to put people’s lives at grave risk each month.”

Northern Health’s rate of deaths per 100,000 people sits at 75.7, still the largest of any health authority the province, ahead of Island Health’s rate of 53.4 deaths per 100,000 people.

The overall provincial rate sits at 41.2 deaths per 100,000 people.

The Fraser and Vancouver Coastal health authorities have reported the most deaths so far this year, with 368 and 347, respectively. Northern Health has reported a total of 134 overdose deaths in 2024.

The 30 to 39 age group saw the most deaths reported in July, with 59, followed by the 40 to 49 age group, with 40 deaths reported. 80 per cent of the people who died of an overdose in July were male.

Fentanyl was found in 85 per cent of overdose deaths so far this year that have undergone toxicology tests, with other common substances including cocaine and methamphetamine.