Toxic and unregulated drugs continue to claim lives in record numbers according to a preliminary report from the BC Coroners Service.
Since the public health emergency was declared seven years ago, a total of 11,807 people have lost their lives to the unregulated drug supply.
In the first three months of 2023, a total of 596 lives were lost due to toxic drugs, marking a death rate at 44.1 deaths per 100,000 population.
Suspected unregulated drug deaths increased by 11% in March at 197, compared to February’s 177.
By health service delivery area, the highest death rates were Vancouver, northwestern BC, northern Vancouver Island, northern Interior, and Central Vancouver Island.
That report also shows that the total number of toxic drug deaths in 2022 has been increased to 2,314, making it the deadliest year on record.
Last year, the highest death rates by local area consisted of Vancouver-Centre North, Terrace, Merritt, Hope, and Prince George.
So far, 2023 has the second highest death rate in the first three months of the year, falling behind 2022 which saw 599 lives lost in that time frame.
According to the report, only one death occurred at an overdose prevention site in 2023, and there continues to be no evidence that safe supply contributes to illicit drug deaths.
