by: tiffany crawford
drug toxicity is now the leading cause of death for young people in b.c., according to the bc coroners service, which has recorded at least 1,011 overdose deaths in the first half of 2021.
in a statement on international overdose awareness day tuesday, chief coroner lisa lapointe said this is a tragic reminder that the toxic illicit drug supply remains a significant ongoing threat to public health and safety.
“the data released today highlights the immensity of this public health emergency and the need for a wide-scale response,” she said, in the statement.
lapointe said this must include removing barriers to safe supply, ensuring timely access to evidence-based affordable treatment and providing those experiencing problematic substance use with compassionate and viable options to reduce risks and save lives.
in june, 159 british columbians died as a result of drug toxicity, the ninth consecutive month in which at least 150 people died.
the total number of lives lost between january and june is the highest recorded in the first six months of a calendar year, said lapointe, adding that illicit drug toxicity is now the leading cause of death in b.c. for those aged 19 to 39 and is second in terms of reducing total potential years of life.