Northern Health continues to lead health authorities in overdoses

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – The BC Coroners Service has released a summary of unregulated drug deaths occurring in May and June, noting Northern Health as the health authority with the highest number of unregulated drug deaths.

Northern Health has reported 73 deaths per 100,000 individuals so far in 2024, one less than was reported in April. 

The report detailed 181 deaths in May and 185 in June across the province, an increase of 182 overdoses reported in April. 

“These losses reinforce the urgent need to keep people safe from toxic drugs and to connect them with care and treatment that works for them,” Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, said in a July 30th press release. 

According to the latest report, so far in 2024, 69 per cent of deaths were individuals in the age range of 30 to 59, and 72 per cent were male.

Female death rates continue to climb in 2024, with Northern Health remaining the health authority to report the most female overdoses at 57 per 100,000 people. 

“Every single one of these deaths is a stark reminder that there is more work to do,” Whiteside said.