BC records largest monthly overdose spike in a year
113 March deaths the highest since 117 in same month last year
Illicut drug overdoses spiked in March, increasing to 113 from 70 in February. Many advocates and health workers, including BC’s top doctor Bonnie Henry, had warned that the COVID-19 crisis would exacerbate the overdose crisis, particularly if homeless people were not swiftly sheltered. After initially appearing to be part of a trend of decline from a high of 1,542 deaths in 2018, 2020 is now on pace to exceed 2019. The death toll included 9 Victoria deaths in March, 18 for the year in Victoria, and 38 for the Island this year. Weekly overdose events in BC (including non-fatal overdoses) also reached their highest point in a year the week of April 19th, with 372. Preliminary data indicates that at around 70%, fentanyl was a culprit in fewer deaths than it has been in previous years. See the report at the BC Coroners Service.
shocker. the same month every person on welfare had an extra $300.
Many advocates and health workers, including BC’s top doctor Bonnie Henry, had warned that the COVID-19 crisis would exacerbate the overdose crisis, particularly if homeless people were not swiftly sheltered.
i am willing to entertain this premise. i really am. but someone will have to explain it to me. connect the dots for me.
Edited by Victoria Watcher, 08 May 2020 - 06:37 AM.