Pubdate: Tue, 22 Aug 2017
Source: Metro (Vancouver, CN BC)
Copyright: 2017 Metro Canada
Contact:  http://www.metronews.ca/vancouver
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3775
Author: Jen St. Denis
Page: A1

VANCOUVER PASSES 2016 OD DEATH TOTAL

232 people have died so far this year

The number of suspected overdose deaths in Vancouver this year has
already surpassed last year's total.

So far this year, the city has seen 232 overdose deaths and is on pace
for more than 400 deaths. In all of 2016, there were 231 overdose
deaths in Vancouver. Provincially, 780 people died in the first six
months of 2017. In 2016, it took until November to reach 755 deaths,
at the time an alarmingly high number.

The presence of the synthetic opioid fentanyl, as well as more potent
varieties like carfentanil, in street drugs is behind the spike in
overdoses and deaths.

"The rising number of overdose deaths this year is horrible and
absolutely heartbreaking," said Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson in a
statement Monday.

"We will continue to work with the new provincial government and pour
city resources into tackling this crisis. We can't be complacent and
let the number of deaths from this public health crisis be the new
normal."

Emergency responders in Vancouver receive on average 135 overdose
calls a week.

The city is asking the provincial and federal governments to create a
regulatory framework for all illicit substances and explore
decriminalization. Vancouver also wants expanded addictions treatment
as well as an increase in overdose prevention sites and drug checking
technology.

In July, the province's new NDP government named New Westminster MLA
Judy Darcy as Minster of Mental Health and Addictions, charged
primarily with tackling the ongoing overdose crisis.

Darcy has promised to improve access for people suffering from mental
health and addictions issues. Municipalities, the Vancouver Police
Department, and health authorities are all asking for "treatment on
demand," so when people are ready to ask for help with their
addiction, they get assistance right away - not put on a wait list.

Earlier this month, B.C.'s chief coroner, Lisa Lapointe, warned that
people who use alone are most at risk. While not one death has
occurred in a supervised injection site or an overdose prevention
site, using alone and in secret is increasingly risky.
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MAP posted-by: Matt