The death review panel report looked into the staggering 6,007 deaths from toxic illicit drugs between Aug. 2017 to July 2021.

The coroner’s death review panel on illicit drug toxicity deaths included experts in health, law, and social services to examine what’s needed after more than 8,700 overdose deaths since a health emergency was declared six years ago.

“Deaths from illicit toxic drugs account for more deaths than homicides, suicides, motor vehicle incidents, drownings and fire-related deaths combined. Deaths due to illicit drug toxicity are second only to cancers in terms of potential years of life lost in B.C.,” the report said.

And it found the majority of people dying would not be considered addicted.

The panel’s recommendations include specific actions, such as developing a standard for health care providers to assess and diagnose patients for substance use disorders and refer them to evidence-based services, and developing standards and oversight mechanisms for treatment centres.

Read the full article in The Vancouver Sun