Officials in Campbell River, British Columbia, have raised an alarm following the deaths of 11 individuals due to suspected drug overdoses within a span of five weeks. The B.C. Coroners Service revealed that the Greater Campbell River area had recorded nine suspected overdose deaths in the initial four months of the year, indicating a significant surge with the additional 11 fatalities in just five weeks.
In a recent statement, the RCMP emphasized the importance of caution for drug users in light of the “sharp increase in overdose fatalities,” expressing deep concern over the situation. A local support worker attributed the deaths to political decisions and drug prohibition, advocating for evidence-based health solutions to address the issue.
The coordinator for the Campbell River Community Action Team, Sue Moen, highlighted the community’s distress and emphasized the need for evidence-based health interventions to combat the crisis effectively. Moen called for an expansion of safer drug supply, increased access to care including detox services and voluntary treatment options.
The closure of a drop-in center and a community kitchen in the summer was identified as a contributing factor to the rise in deaths, disrupting community support networks and exacerbating health issues in the region. Moen stressed the importance of addressing hunger in the community, which, combined with toxic drugs, intensified adverse reactions and overdoses.
Recent modifications to British Columbia’s safer drug supply program, requiring drug users to consume safer drugs under pharmacist supervision, have posed challenges for individuals in smaller communities like Campbell River due to limited pharmacy access. Moen urged governments to prioritize treating substance use disorder as a medical condition and to enhance access to safer drugs and comprehensive care urgently.
Officials, including Campbell River RCMP spokesperson Const. Maury Tyre, highlighted the volatility of the region’s drug supply, emphasizing the uncertainty regarding the specific cause or contaminant responsible for the spike in deaths. Dr. Charmaine Enns, Island Health’s medical health officer for the North Island region, underscored the necessity of addressing the toxic drug supply to effectively address the overdose crisis, emphasizing the importance of providing accessible services like overdose prevention sites and drug checking services to prevent further fatalities.