Mental Health and Addictions Minister Jennifer Whiteside delivered a heavy-hearted message tinged with hope from the Chilliwack Coast Hotel on Wednesday (Jan. 24), in her response to the BC Coroners Service Year-End report on illicit drug-toxicity deaths for 2023.
The 2,511 British Columbians who lost their lives to a “poisoned” drug supply in 2023 was the highest number ever reported by the BC Coroners Service in one year.
Of that B.C. total, Chilliwack mourned the loss of 60 people, Abbotsford (90), Mission (31), Agassiz-Harrison (6), and Hope (11).
“Today, as we reflect on the year behind us, our hearts are heavy with the loss of 2,511 people in British Columbia to toxic drugs,” Whiteside said in her statement.
While there was “still much work ahead” to bolster services, the minister tried to offer reassurance that her commitment to ending the overdose crisis was “unwavering.”
The provincial rate of overdose deaths for 2023 was 45.7 deaths per population of 100,000 residents. Chilliwack’s rate was higher at 54.6 deaths, but Hope’s rate was the highest in the region at 123.7 deaths per 100,000.
“We have to reflect that each life was precious, and their stories and their dreams were a vital part of the life of communities across our province,” Whiteside said. “We have all been touched by this crisis and cannot ignore the long-lasting impacts on families, communities and our health care system.”
She took a minute to thank retiring Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe for “her growth, her guidance and her work” over the years.
Despite Lapointe’s criticism of the province’s inability to stop the inexorable rise of overdose fatalities from a toxic supply, the minister said it was nonetheless “taking action to strengthen mental-health and addiction services” across the spectrum of needs.
”Our goal is to save lives,” Whiteside said. “Our goal is to ensure that everyone has access to the care and support that they need when they need it.”
BC Emergency Health Services reported that in 2023, paramedics responded to 1,017 overdose or poisoning calls in Chilliwack, up from 715 the year prior.
Whiteside said they’ve made “significant progress,” across B.C. with the addition of 12 Foundry centres, enhanced peer-assisted teams, and more access to bed-based treatment, as well as outpatient and virtual care.
“And we have recently launched public awareness campaigns to share messages of hope, and to help people connect to the right care for them.”
When asked how the government was reducing the stigma of substance use, and what that could achieve, Whiteside said the goal of tackling stigma is removing the fear of treatment and recovery.
“Stigma is a real barrier to people accessing care when they’re ready to put up their hand and reach out for care and support,” she said. “Working to eliminate stigma and really acknowledge and treat addiction as a health care issue is very critical.”
The addictions minister cited early intervention and prevention as key, along with housing, as well as treatment and recovery.
“Our goal is to ensure that accessible, effective care is there for everyone, right when they need it.”
She offered a gentle reminder directly to those who use substances, not to use alone.
“If you are using drugs, please do not use alone. Consider using tools like the Lifeguard app and carrying naloxone, which can be lifesaving in an emergency. Remember, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and there are programs and services available to meet you where you are in your recovery journey.
“As we face the ongoing tragedy of the toxic-drug crisis, our dedication to ending this public-health emergency is as strong as ever,” Whiteside concluded. “There is still much work to be done, and I am committed to doing everything I can to save lives and create a safer, healthier future for everyone in British Columbia.”
READ MORE: Upcoming talk in Chilliwack on OD prevention strategies
