Illicit drug deaths numbers down again in February

The number of illicit drug deaths in B.C. in February was once again lower than the month before.

There were a total of 102 deaths, down from 116 in January, continuing the downward trend after the province saw 142 deaths in December.

However, the numbers for February 2017 are still far higher than they were in February 2016, when there were just 59 deaths due to illicit drugs.

“While I'm very relieved to see that the numbers have not continued to increase over the last two months, we are still losing cherished members of our communities at a terrible rate, said chief coroner, Lisa Lapointe. “People are dying in far higher numbers than we've ever seen, and a slight decrease in fatalities from the previous month should not be seen as any indication that the risk has decreased."

Other trends from previous months continued in February, however, as the 30-49 year old demographic still makes up for the largest percentage of deaths.

The majority of deaths continue to be males and happening indoors, as well.

Lapointe did point out that there have been no deaths at supervised consumption or drug overdose prevention sites.

"This is evidence that these sites are saving lives,” she said. “People need to be encouraged to visit these sites as the majority of deaths are occurring when people use illicit substances without medical attention or assistance nearby."

You can view the entire updated report on illicit drug overdose deaths on the provincial government website.