Another 28 people lost their lives to toxic drugs in Kamloops over the months of August and September.
It brings the total number of overdose deaths in the Tournament Capital in 2024 to 81.
That’s according to new preliminary data from the BC Coroners Service, putting the city on pace for 108 such deaths this year. It would be the worst year on record. The highest number of deaths the city has seen in a calendar year from the overdose crisis was 92 seen in 2022.
The B-C Coroners Service says at least 1749 people have died from illicit toxic drugs since the start of this year across the province.
Despite the service saying the figure for the first nine months of the year is an eight per cent decrease in the number of deaths over the same period in 2023, there is still an average of six people dying every day from suspected illicit drug poisoning.
The service says women are dying at a higher rate, representing 26% of this year’s deaths, a 60% increase from four years ago.
A provincial snapshot of toxic drug deaths in B.C. as of October 2024. (Photo via BC Coroners Service)
Statement from Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions
B.C. mourns the loss of 187 and 183 people to toxic drugs in August and September respectively. They were brothers and sisters, husbands and wives, friends, colleagues and neighbours.
Although the rate of toxic-drug deaths this year continues to decrease compared to the past three years, the rate of toxic-drug deaths and the impact of toxic drugs circulating in B.C. communities remains unacceptable.
The Province is working urgently to expand access to treatment services and save more lives. The new Opioid Treatment Access Line is available to people in all parts of B.C. to help them get fast access to addictions care. No matter where you live in the province, you can call 1 888 804-8111 to access same-day support, including medications and connection to health professionals to start you on your path to recovery.
