Close X
Sunday, November 10, 2024
ADVT 
National

Fraser Health Warns Of Spike In Overdose Deaths In Lower Mainland During Past Week

Darpan News Desk, 25 Aug, 2017 01:10 PM
    SURREY, B.C. — A major health authority in British Columbia's Lower MainlandLower Mainland issued a warning Friday about illicit drugs after an increase in suspected overdose deaths in the past week.
     
    Fraser Health says preliminary data from the provincial coroner shows the region has seen 17 suspected illicit drug overdose deaths during that time in communities from Surrey to Hope.
     
    Most of deaths happened in private homes, followed by hotels and motels.
     
    British Columbia is in the grip of a public health emergency because of the number of overdose deaths.
     
    Last year, 967 people died of an opioid-related overdose and the province is on track for more than 1,500 such 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 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.
     
    "Our targeted response is an important step in supporting people who are at a higher risk of dying," Dr. Victoria Lee, Fraser Health's chief medical health officer, said in a statement Friday.
     
    Fraser Health says it has seen spikes in overdose deaths before, particularly among people who use drugs on their own.

    MORE National ARTICLES

    VPD Block Watch Volunteer Helps Nab Theft Suspect

    VPD Block Watch Volunteer Helps Nab Theft Suspect
    Just after 4:30 a.m. on August 13th, the volunteer noticed a suspicious person near Rupert and E.59th Avenue. He relied on his Block Watch training and called 9-1-1, resisting the urge to interfere.

    VPD Block Watch Volunteer Helps Nab Theft Suspect

    Dead Body Found In Surrey Alleyway Identified As 19-Year-Old Edmonton Man

    Dead Body Found In Surrey Alleyway Identified As 19-Year-Old Edmonton Man
    The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team has identified the victim as 19-year-old Tanner Krupaof Edmonton.

    Dead Body Found In Surrey Alleyway Identified As 19-Year-Old Edmonton Man

    More People Have Overdosed In Vancouver So Far This Year Compared To 2016 Total

    VANCOUVER — The number of fatal overdoses in Vancouver so far this year has exceeded the total number of illicit-drug fatalities for all of 2016.

    More People Have Overdosed In Vancouver So Far This Year Compared To 2016 Total

    Liberal Party Begins Process To Find New Leader In British Columbia

    Liberal Party Begins Process To Find New Leader In British Columbia
    The party executive has appointed a committee to develop the rules and procedures for a contest to replace Christy Clark, who stepped down last month after the Liberal government was defeated on a confidence motion following May's election. 

    Liberal Party Begins Process To Find New Leader In British Columbia

    Trudeau Takes Aim At 'Racist' Rallies, Urges Trust In Immigration System

    MONTREAL — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Canadians should maintain confidence in the immigration system even as thousands of asylum seekers continue to pour into the country.

    Trudeau Takes Aim At 'Racist' Rallies, Urges Trust In Immigration System

    Police Officer Takes Bus To Nab Distracted Drivers In New Brunswick

    Police Officer Takes Bus To Nab Distracted Drivers In New Brunswick
    Constable Duane Squires of Saint John police says the initiative was modelled after a similar one carried out by York Regional Police in Ontario.

    Police Officer Takes Bus To Nab Distracted Drivers In New Brunswick