Northwest region records six more toxic drug deaths in October

BC’s toxic drug supply continues to take its toll on the Northwest.

In October, Northern Health saw 15 toxic drug deaths in October, six of which occurred in the Northwest.

So far this year, the health authority has seen 143 fatalities with 44 of them in our region – one death away from equalling its record-high for overdose deaths, which was set last year.

In terms of the Health Service Delivery Area, the Northwest has the second-highest drug toxicity death rate of 67.7– only Vancouver (74.4) ranked higher.

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179 suspected overdose fatalities occurred province-wide in October – that equates to nearly 6 people per day dying from an overdose.

1,827 people have passed away province-wide this year.

No deaths have been reported at supervised consumption or drug overdose prevention sites.

Something going on in the Bulkley Valley Lakes District you think people should know about?
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Brendan Pawliw
Brendan Pawliw
Since moving to Prince George in 2015, Brendan has covered local sports including the WHL’s Prince George Cougars, Prince George Spruce Kings, UNBC Timberwolves, Cariboo Cougars AAA, and Northern Capitals U18 female hockey teams. Career highlights include play-by-play during the Spruce Kings' BCHL championship runs in 2018 and 2019, including the Doyle Cup win. He also covered the 2019 National Junior A Championship, the 2017 Telus Cup, the 2022 World Women’s Curling Championship, and the 2022 BC Summer Games. Brendan is the news voice on 94.3 The Goat and Country 97 FM, reporting on crime, real estate, labour, and environmental issues. Outside of work, he officiates box lacrosse and fastball, sits on the Prince George Sports Hall of Fame board, and co-hosts the Hockey North podcast.

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