One week, 17 overdose deaths in Fraser Health region

Chief medical officer issues warning, says most of the deaths occurred at home

A total of 17 suspected overdose deaths in the past week has Fraser Health warning people who use street drugs to take precautions.

The toll comes from the B.C. Coroners Service, which reported overdose deaths in Fraser Health communities from Surrey to Hope.

Most of the deaths have occurred in private homes, followed by hotels and motels.

“There is a hidden epidemic, with nearly 70 per cent of overdose deaths in Fraser Health occurring at home,” said Fraser Health chief medical health officer Dr. Victoria Lee. “Our targeted response is an important step in supporting people who are at a higher risk of dying.”

According to B.C. Coroners statistics, 780 deaths in B.C. — including 258 in the Fraser Health region — were attributed to overdosing on illicit drugs during the first six months of 2017.

In April 2016, Dr. Perry Kendall, B.C.’s chief health officer, declared a public health emergency in response to the opioid crisis.

There were 978 suspected overdose deaths in B.C. last year. The province is on track for more than 1,500 overdose deaths in 2017.

Fraser Health says it had already taken steps to respond to “the hidden epidemic of overdoses in residences” in the communities it covers.

Those steps include identifying people who might be at risk after they show up at emergency departments — eight out of 10 people who die at home have gone to an ER at least once in the 12 months before their deaths.

Patients are offered support, such as suboxone to treat opioid addiction.

The authority is also contacting patients who overdosed at home within 48 hours of being discharged from emergency departments to help them get the services they need.

Fraser Health says it has found many of those using opioids have histories of injuries and pain management, so it has changed prescribing practices and is working with physiotherapists and chiropractors on available options for chronic pain.

After informing family physicians when their patients overdose, it is also helping them get better access to the overdose antidote naloxone.

Fraser Health says men between the ages of 19 and 59 in trade industries are disproportionately affected by the drug crisis. It is contacting groups including employers, technical schools and sports associations that might be able to help identify and support individuals who are struggling with substance use.