B.C. Drug Crisis Anniversary Marked, Expert Says Innovation Needed

Sunday, April 14, 2024, marked eight years since the toxic drug crisis was declared a public health emergency in British Columbia.

“Today, as we mark eight years since our province declared the toxic-drug crisis a public-health emergency, we recognize the catastrophic impact this crisis has had on so many people in British Columbia.”, said Premier David Eby in a statement marking the anniversary.

“Every life taken by this crisis is a loss to our community – they are friends, parents, siblings, and children. To the families, friends and loved ones: we see you, we stand with you, and we share in your pain. We must also recognize that this crisis has impacts beyond the tragic loss of life. From families and friends to mental-health and front-line workers, there are scores of people who have had to bear witness to the damage done to lives and communities from addiction and drug poisonings.”

As of the beginning of the year, the lives of 2,428 people have been lost in the Island Health region since April 14th, 2016.

Members of Island Health’s Harm Reduction Team were reflecting on the anniversary.

Beth Haywood is a peer project coordinator with Island Health - and she knows of the devastating effects of the toxic drug crisis all too well, a crack and heroin user for 20 years.

Haywood says stigma kills. Speaking from personal experience, the mother of four says, the harm reduction work they do is grounded in an equity lens, with the belief that people who use substances deserve the same care and service as those with any other health condition.

To learn more, visit Government of British Columbia.