April 14 marks the anniversary of provincial health officer Perry Kendall’s declaration of a public health emergency as drug overdose deaths mounted across B.C.
It wasn’t until late 2016 that the crisis hit home on the Sunshine Coast. RCMP, health officials, and first responders saw a sudden increase in overdoses and as many as six deaths. The statistics so far this year are still troubling.
The latest numbers from Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) show that more ODs have been reported at VCH’s four rural ERs so far this year, 34, than in the period from June (when tracking started) through December of 2016 when there were 21.
The vast majority of the overdoses since June 2016 (67 per cent) were reported by Sechelt Hospital. About half were linked to opioids.
The BC Coroners Service had not released March statistics by Coast Reporter’s deadline, but from Jan. 1 to Feb. 28 there were five illicit drug overdose deaths in VCH’s North Shore/Coast Garibaldi zone, which includes the Sunshine Coast.
VCH officials said they weren’t aware of any new deaths locally since the reported spike in ODs in December and early January.
Since Jan. 1, VCH has distributed 59 naloxone kits and trained about 150 people in their use.
The health authority and Sunshine Coast RCMP are continuing to closely monitor the situation.
“Sunshine Coast RCMP have not had any significant fentanyl-related investigations in recent weeks; however, our officers continue to monitor the fentanyl situation on the Sunshine Coast, and we are working with our local partners to ensure everyone is aware of drug trends, overdoses and any fatalities,” said Const. Harrison Mohr. “We ask anyone who has information about fentanyl or other drugs on the Sunshine Coast to do their part in keeping our communities safe, and contact Sunshine Coast RCMP or Crime Stoppers.”
