Deaths related to unregulated drugs in BC are trending downward by approximately 9% according to a BC Coroner’s report released Dec. 9th 2024, but this causes no more than cautious optimism from POUNDS society director Jordan Stewart as rates remain disproportionately high in Prince George.
Stewart referred to diffusion theory when CFURadio asked her to speculate on a possible cause for the greater downward trend.
In this case, the concept acknowledges that it took some time for the spike in overdose deaths occurring in BC’s lower mainland during the 2016-2018 period to reach our region, and it will also take some time for the reactionary services addressing that crisis to reach Northern BC.
For rates to decrease, and remain lower, Stewart advocates for safe supply, an advancement of open discussion on the topic, and a removal of stigma in order to effectively advance in this health crisis.
