Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions says August and September overdose death total “remains unacceptable”

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The province’s Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions has issued a statement mourning the 370 people who passed away from overdoses in the province during August and September.

The latest BC Coroners Service report was released Thursday, showing 187 people had passed away from drug overdoses in the province in August, followed by 183 in September.

“Although the rate of toxic-drug deaths this year continues to decrease compared to the past three years, the rate of toxic-drug deaths and the impact of toxic drugs circulating in B.C. communities remains unacceptable,” a statement issued by the ministry reads.

“The province is working urgently to expand access to treatment services and save more lives. The new Opioid Treatment Access Line is available to people in all parts of B.C. to help them get fast access to addictions care.”

The ministry goes on to say more work needs to be done to save lives and connect people in need to treatment services.

Despite September being the worst month for overdose deaths in the northeast so far this year, the Coroners Service report claims BC has seen an eight per cent decline in the number of overdose deaths overall compared to this time in 2023.