First toxic drug overdose numbers released of 2023

MERRITT — The illicit drug overdose numbers were released for January to start 2023.

According to the latest preliminary data by the BC Coroners Service, 211 lives were lost provincially in January, 12 of them within the Thompson Cariboo Shuswap health service delivery area for a rate of 57.7 deaths per 100,000 people. Interior Health recorded 31 deaths due to the toxic drug supply in January.

“Recent announcements made by the province that are focused on increasing treatment and recovery options where and when people need them are tremendously encouraging,” Lisa Lapointe, B.C.’s chief coroner says. “Members of coroners’ inquests and death review panels have consistently recommended a continuum of care that includes evidence-based treatment options, access to safer supply, and other essential harm-reduction tools to end this crisis, including drug-checking, overdose prevention sites, and the need to eliminate stigma and criminalization.”