The injection room at the Crosstown Clinic. Photo by Jackie Dives
Fentanyl was detected in 81 percent of illegal drug overdose deaths in BC from June to July, a 143 percent increase over the same time period last year.According to the BC Coroners Service, fentanyl was found in 706 of the 876 suspected drug overdose deaths, most often combined with other drugs like cocaine, heroin, and meth. The 876 total is up from 482 between January and July last year.In July 2017, there were almost three drug overdose deaths a day, up 30 percent from last July.
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Nine of every 10 deaths occurred indoors and half in private residences, according to the report."Most deaths occur indoors, in many cases when people are using alone and without the ability to get help," said chief coroner Lisa Lapointe in a statement.None of the deaths took place at supervised drug consumption sites.Toronto recently opened up its first legal safe injection site after harm reduction advocates opened up an unsanctioned pop-up drug consumption tent.Last year, BC became the first province in the country to declare a public health emergency over the fentanyl crisis. Despite calls from international experts, federal government has yet to follow suit.Follow Manisha on Twitter.