In 2016, Canada declared opioid-related overdoses and deaths a national public health emergency. Since then, there have been thousands of opioid-related deaths in Canada and now, individuals who use drugs are at the intersection of two public health emergencies. Overdose-related deaths have skyrocketed since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic with 2,224 deaths in 2021 alone (BC Coroners, 2022). Further, over 300 youth die tragically each year in British Columbia alone, due to this preventable cause. The opioid overdose crisis requires urgent attention. We cannot wait any longer, immediate action is needed.
Please visit the Let’s Talk Overdose 2022 page for more information on the event coming up on April 6 & 7, 2022.