Five overdose deaths reported in northeast BC this September

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — September was the worst month so far this year for overdose deaths in northeast BC, according to the latest Coroners Service report.

After a decline from four overdose deaths in the region in July to just one in August, September saw five deaths reported, more than any other month so far this year.

Despite the uptick in the northeast, Northern Health has seen a decline in fatalities in its coverage area overall, reporting 12 overdose deaths in August and 13 in September, down from 18 in July.

August reportedly saw 187 overdose deaths across BC, followed by 183 in September, both down from the 192 reported in July. 

The report also says there has been a roughly eight per cent decrease in the number of overdose deaths across BC in the first nine months of 2024 compared to the same time period last year.

Northern Health still has the highest number of deaths per 100,000 people, sitting at 70.3 as of the end of September. Meanwhile, the Fraser Health Authority’s 28.3 deaths per 100,000 people is the lowest such value in the province.

The overall provincial rate currently stands at exactly 41 deaths per 100,000 people.

So far, the 40-49 age group has seen the most deaths by overdose in 2024, followed closely by the 30-39 age group.

74 per cent of the people who have died of an overdose in the province so far this year have been male.

Fentanyl was found in 82 per cent of overdose deaths so far this year that have undergone toxicology tests. Other common substances include cocaine and methamphetamine.