More than 2000 British Columbians lost their lives in 2024 to unregulated drug deaths.
The BC Coroners Service has shared data from 2024 regarding the impact of unregulated drug toxicity deaths in communities across British Columbia, resulting in the loss of 2,253 individuals.
The total number of unregulated drug-related deaths marks a 13% decline compared to 2023 and is lower than the annual figures from each of the past three years according to the media release.
In 2024, the death rate was 40 per 100,000 people, down from 47 per 100,000 in 2023, 45 per 100,000 in 2022, and 44 per 100,000 in 2021.
“The information collected by our coroners during their investigations into unregulated drug toxicity deaths, indicates a decline in fatalities over the last several months of 2024. This is consistent with reporting from other jurisdictions in Canada and internationally,” said Dr. Jatinder Baidwan, chief coroner. “This doesn’t mitigate the fact that 2,253 members of our communities died in 2024, leaving behind grieving loved ones, friends, colleagues and teammates. Our thoughts are with all of those many, many people who have been touched by this crisis.”
Close to 70% of those who lost their lives in 2024, were between the ages of 30 and 59, while almost three-quarters were male.
The death rate among females was 20 per 100,000, reflecting a 65% increase from 2020 (13 per 100,000) but a slight decrease from 2023 (21 per 100,000).
“Today, we acknowledge the 2,253 people in British Columbia who lost their lives to poisoned drugs in 2024. Behind every number is a child, parent, sibling, friend or neighbour, and their loss is felt deeply by those who knew and loved them,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health in a statement on February 4.
“This public health emergency touches every corner of our province. Addiction can be influenced by many factors, including housing challenges, the cost of living, mental and physical pain, and intergenerational trauma. By addressing these issues openly and expanding supports, we can help reduce the stigma around substance use and encourage individuals to seek help rather than struggle in addiction.”
Unregulated drug toxicity has claimed the lives of at least 16,047 people in B.C. since the public health emergency was declared in April 2016.
As in previous years, the drug toxicity crisis impacted communities, with the highest death rates per 100,000 being recorded in Vancouver-Centre North (422), Lillooet (116), Greater Campbell River (109), Terrace (109), and Prince George (103) by Local Health Area according to the release.
“Our government is continuing to expand mental-health and addictions care, including early intervention and prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery services, support and complex-care housing, and more. We are building up a seamless system of care so everyone, no matter where they live or what their circumstances, has access to the care they need,” said Osborne.
“We know there is still more to do. By working together and continuing to expand life-saving services, more people can find their pathway to recovery.”
Fentanyl and its analogues remain the leading cause of unregulated drug toxicity deaths in B.C., appearing in 78% of expedited toxicological tests in 2024. Other commonly detected substances included cocaine (52%), fluorofentanyl (46%), methamphetamine (43%), and bromazolam (41%). It is important to note that the report's data is preliminary and may change as further toxicology results become available, and investigations are completed.
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