Quesnel is part of the worst area in the province for toxic drug deaths

The Northern Interior Health Service Delivery Area, which includes Quesnel, has by far the highest death rate in the province when it comes to illicit drug overdoses.

Statistics released by the BC Coroners Service today have the death rate at 100.2 people per 100,000 through July of this year.

Northern Vancouver Island is next at 78.7

The Thompson/Cariboo/Shuswap, which includes Williams Lake and 100 Mile House, is 6th out of 16 at 55 deaths per 100,000 people.

Looking at the actual numbers, there have been 90 illicit drug deaths in the Northern Interior in the first 7 months of 2024, and there were a record 127 in all of 2023.

The BC Coroners Service only has numbers for Quesnel specifically through April of this year.

At that time there were 9 suspected overdoses to date, already approaching the 11 that were recorded in all of 2023.

Province-wide, 192 people lost their lives due to toxic drugs in July.

That equates to about 6 people per day.

In 2024, 69% of those who died were between the ages of 30 to 59 – 73% were male.

In addition, the rate of death among females is almost double when compared to 2020 – going from 13 deaths per 100,000 to 22 per 100,000.

Unregulated drug toxicity is the leading cause of death for people in British Columbia between the ages of 10 and 59, and accounts for more deaths than homicides, suicides, accidents, and natural disease combined.

Mental Health and Addictions Minister Jennifer Whiteside issued the following statement:

“Today, we mourn the loss of 192 lives to toxic drugs in July. The people we’ve lost are more than just numbers on a page. They are our family members, our neighbours, our friends – people who should have had more time, more laughter and more chances to make memories with those who loved them.

“As we mark International Overdose Awareness Day on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, we reflect on this year’s theme, Together we can. It reminds us that it’s through collective effort, we will change the course of this crisis. We must work together to turn the tide, recognizing that no single action can solve this. While we’ve seen some progress with fewer deaths this year, we cannot allow ourselves to become indifferent to this crisis. Every life lost is one too many. We must not, and will not, accept this as normal.

“To save more lives, we will continue to urgently expand access to treatment and recovery. Getting help should be quick and easy, no matter where you live in British Columbia or where you are in your recovery journey. We’ve launched the new Opioid Treatment Access Line to connect people suffering with addiction to life-saving treatment, no matter where you are in the province. Whether you’re in a city or a remote community, help is available to start you on your path to recovery. If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out. You can call 1 833 804-8111 from anywhere in the province to access same-day support.

“We are committed to creating a comprehensive and connected system of care that meets people where they are. That’s why we are increasing early-intervention efforts and expanding treatment and recovery options, while also improving access to life-saving harm-reduction tools. These combined efforts are essential because keeping people safe and alive is the first step toward recovery. Measures such as drug testing and take-home Naloxone are critical in protecting lives until individuals are ready to seek the treatment they need.

“We know there is still more work ahead. We will continue to keep pushing forward to build a better province for everyone. Mental-health and addictions challenges can affect anyone, and we are building a system where no matter what led you to addiction, there is a pathway out of it – toward hope and healing – for you. We carry out this critical work in honour of those we’ve lost to toxic-drug poisonings and so we can build a better future in their name.”