Overdose calls in Richmond increased in July, as B.C. marked its third straight month with more than 170 deaths from illicit drug overdoses.
Last month, there were 34 overdose calls in Richmond – which is higher than average for the city, according to BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS).
According to the agency, Richmond typically sees about 19 to 20 overdose calls each month.
In total, paramedics in B.C responded to 2,706 overdose calls – an average of 87 per day – in July, according to BCEHS.
That’s the highest number of overdose calls ever recorded since the start of the opioid crisis in 2016.
So far this year, nine people have died from an overdose in Richmond – two in July – according to the latest report from the BC Coroners Service.
Last month, there were 175 overdose deaths in B.C. – the third consecutive month with more than 170 deaths.
In June, there were 177 fatalities, and 174 in May.
The coroners service reported that it has detected a “sustained increase” of illicit drug toxicity deaths since March, with five straight months recording more than 100 deaths.
“The number of people dying in B.C. due to an unsafe drug supply continues to surpass deaths due to homicides, motor vehicle incidents, suicides and COVID-19,” said Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe in a statement.
“It is not uncommon for two or three people using together to die suddenly and with no opportunity to seek help.”
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said the numbers show that COVID-19 has worsened the overdose crisis.
“The toxicity of drug supply is extreme, and I implore anyone who may be using drugs to not do it alone,” she said, in a statement.
“For friends and family members who are concerned about loved ones, reach out and connect with them and let them know they are not alone.”
To date, there have been 22 overdose calls in Richmond in August, and so far this year, there have been 148 calls. In all of 2019, there were 229.
