It has been nine years since B.C. issued a public health emergency in response to the toxic drug crisis. Marches were held across the province on Monday to remember those who have died and to honour those whose fight continues.
More than 16,000 lives have been lost due to unregulated toxic drugs since the emergency was declared in 2016. B.C. Health Minister Josie Osborne and provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry issued a joint statement marking the sombre anniversary.
Henry said this sombre anniversary reminds us of the ongoing tragic impact of the toxic-drug crisis that is being felt by families and communities across B.C. “While we have seen some glimmers of hope in this past year with a decline in deaths, there remains much to do to ensure there are supports when needed at every point in a person’s journey.”
“Whether it is being able to have a conversation with a trusted loved one, peer or medical worker, access to life-saving naloxone, or a safe place to have drugs tested, we have seen how these harm-reduction measures make a difference and save lives.
Osborne added, “Today marks nine years since B.C. declared the toxic-drug crisis a public health emergency. Since that time, we have lost thousands of people to poisoned drugs, each one a valued member of their community. Each and every loss leaves lasting grief for the people who knew and loved them. This crisis continues to have a devastating impact throughout our province, from families and communities to the front-line workers who provide care, support and compassion in the face of unimaginable loss. Substance use is shaped by many complex factors, including trauma, mental- and physical-health challenges, poverty, stigma and barriers to stable housing and support. Ending this crisis requires an equally complex and compassionate response, one that prioritizes care over judgment.”
Interim BC Greens leader, Jeremy Valeriote, MLA for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky said that since 2016, more than 16,000 British Columbians have died from toxic drug poisonings. “This is not normal and it is unacceptable. Drug toxicity is now the leading cause of death for British Columbians aged 10 to 59.”
“If we do not confront this public health emergency with the serious and necessary response it demands, we will continue to lose parents, children, elders, friends, neighbours, and siblings. While the BC Greens recognize the efforts made by the current government, the measures taken so far have not been enough. Instead of seeing real and substantive improvements, the crisis has only deepened, becoming more deadly, more dangerous, and more unpredictable,” he added.
