Illicit drug overdoses are now the leading cause of death for British Columbians aged 10 to 59.
According to the BC Coroners Service, a record 1,018 lives have been lost to the province’s toxic drug supply through May this year.
That compares to 989 overdose deaths at the same point in 2022, the deadliest year since the public health emergency was declared in 2016.
May saw a total of 176 deaths provincewide, down from 218 the month before, and from 209 in May of last year.
Northern Health saw the lowest rate of deaths of any Authority in May with 2.3 per 100,000 residents.
But, they still have the second highest rate on the year at 57.9 per 100,000, trailing only Vancouver Coastal Health.
In the Northwest that rate rises to 76.7 per 100,000, again trailing only Vancouver.
You can find the Coroners Service’s full May report at this link.
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