The latest statistics released by the B.C. Coroners Service reports the amount of overdose deaths in the province continues to rise at an unprecedented rate.
With 22 drug overdose deaths in Kamloops, the city is only behind Vancouver (69), Surrey (44), and Victoria (29), for most illicit drug overdose deaths in the province this year.
Since statistics for May were released, Kamloops has seen four more overdose-related deaths. The 22 drug overdose deaths is more than three times the seven deaths in 2015.
There have been 371 illicit drug overdose deaths in the province from January to June 2016 – a 74 per cent increase over the 213 deaths during the same period in 2015.
Preliminary data also suggests that fentanyl was detected in 60 per cent of deaths from January to May 2016 in the province.
In light of the high number of deaths caused by fentanyl, Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe is reminding residents to call 911 if someone appears to be overdosing.
Overdoses can be prevented with the use of naloxone, which Kamloops firefighters are now able to administer.
