More drug users died in British Columbia last month than ever before in the province's history, eclipsing a record set just one month prior as health officials grapple with the twin crises of a global pandemic and an opioid epidemic.
The latest numbers have pushed the province's total to 728 lives lost to illegal drugs in the first six months of 2020. Most of the 175 deaths in June – 124 in total – involved fentanyl, according to the BC Coroners Service.
"We know the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted people who use drugs, as it has all British Columbians," Lapointe added. "Access to key harm reduction services has been a challenge and our social networks are smaller." The premier noted that British Columbia is limited in what it can do with regard to drug enforcement policy – a federal Criminal Code matter – but said he has "made it clear to the prime minister where British Columbia stands."
"Today's report clearly shows us that the tragedy of overdose deaths from the toxic street drug supply in B.C. continues to escalate," Henry said. "While much effort has been made to reduce harm, remove stigma and provide the care that people living with addiction need, the impacts of the pandemic have made the situation dire for too many."
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