Pubdate: Sun, 04 Dec 2016 Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC) Copyright: 2016 Times Colonist Contact: http://www.timescolonist.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/481 Author: Sarah Petrescu Page: A1 NEW INVESTIGATION TEAM AIMS TO CURB OVERDOSE DEATHS A specialized drug-investigation team has been launched by the B.C. Coroners Service to help curb the alarming rate of overdose deaths. "We're trying to take a broad approach to get a really clear picture of any trends to support the health authorities in prevention," said chief coroner Lisa Lapointe. Two weeks ago, Island Health issued an urgent warning to illicit drug users after seven overdoses in one week - including five in Victoria within 72 hours. This occurred at the same time the health authority held public consultations about three planned supervised-consumption sites and amid a provincewide overdose crisis that has killed more than 622 people this year. The investigation team is made up of coroners across B.C., who now take jurisdiction over deaths involving illicit drugs. The idea is to fast-track toxicology reports and investigate the person's medical history, including prescription use and drug treatment, as well as housing situations. "Many of the deaths occur outdoors or at private residences. The message is out there: 'If you are going to use, make sure you are somewhere with access to medical help,' " Lapointe said. "We want to look at living accommodations and supporting housing. When health authorities have that information, they can target populations more at risk." Lapointe said $450,000 in funding for the team came from the $10 million the province targeted toward the overdose crisis in September. They'll look back at cases to Jan. 1 of this year, and Lapointe said she hopes the first report will be out within six months. According to a Freedom of Information request, Island Health anticipated it would spend $450,000 this year on the overdose crisis. The total provincial spending was $5.77 million. - --- MAP posted-by: Matt