The BC Coroners Service delivered tragic news today (Dec. 9).
According to new data, at least 201 lives were lost to illicit drugs across the province in October, which marks the highest total in one month in B.C.'s history and equates to 6.5 deaths per day.
In Burnaby, there have been 61 deaths recorded due to drug toxicity in 2021 thus far — data ending Oct. 31.
There have been 1,782 lost in B.C. since the start of this year, which marks another sombre statistic. The total from January to October is the highest number of deaths due to drug toxicity ever recorded in the province in a calendar year.
The public health emergency into substance-related harms was declared in April 2016.
"It is heartbreaking that we continue to lose more lives to toxic drugs, and October was particularly tragic with over 200 deaths, the most ever recorded in a month," B.C. mental health and addictions minister Sheila Malcolmson said in a news release.
"No words can replace a loved one lost. I feel British Columbia's grief and frustration.
"Almost every person in the province knows someone whose life has been touched by the poisoned drug crisis. I am so sorry for each loss and send strength to everyone who is mourning someone they love."
Updated monthly Burnaby numbers are already the highest total in a year since 2011.
Deaths in the city for the past 10 years are as follows:
- 2021 = 61
- 2020 = 57
- 2019 = 29
- 2018 = 49
- 2017 = 44
- 2016 = 40
- 2015 = 15
- 2014 = 11
- 2013 = 12
- 2012 = 10
- 2011 = 10
- Total = 338
Burnaby's illicit drug toxicity death rates per 100,000 for 2016 to 2021 are as follows:
- 2021 = 30.6 (to date)
- 2020 = 22.1
- 2019 = 11.4
- 2018 = 19.6
- 2017 = 17.9
- 2016 = 16.4
"Today is a heart-rending milestone for our province," BC Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe added in the release.
"The deaths of more than 200 of our community members in one month due to toxic drugs is a devastating loss.
"In the sixth year of this public health emergency, we are experiencing a record loss of life and I know this news will resonate with tremendous sadness amongst the thousands of families who have lost a loved one to this crisis. My thoughts continue to be with every family and community that is grieving the loss of a loved one."
The highest illicit drug toxicity deaths in 2021 by health service delivery area were in Vancouver, Thompson Cariboo, Northwest, North Vancouver Island and Fraser East.
