BC Coroners Service Shares January Unregulated Drug Toxicity Data

According to preliminary data, the deaths of 152 people due to unregulated drug toxicity were reported to the Coroners Service in January.

Deaths among those between the age of 40 and 59 accounted for 50% of drug-toxicity deaths in the province, while three deaths were reported among children and youth under the age of 18.

From December to January, deaths among males in B.C. climbed from approximately 73% (109) of deaths to 79% (120).

In the same period, the deaths of 40 females were reported in December, compared with 32 in January.

Though January marks the fourth consecutive month in which the number of deaths attributed to unregulated drug toxicity was below 160, certain areas of the province saw an increase.

That includes communities within Fraser Health (57) and Interior Health (21).

Consistent with reporting throughout the public health emergency, fentanyl was the most common substance detected.

To learn more, visit Government of British Columbia.