It has been 10 years since B.C. declared a public health emergency over toxic drugs.
Back in 2016, the province took the unprecedented step of declaring the toxic drugs crisis a public health emergency as overdose deaths began to climb.
Fast forward a decade, and the question of what has changed is a complex one to answer.
In short, a lot has changed, but the crisis is far from over.
Over the last 10 years, nearly 19,000 people have died from toxic drugs across B.C. Accounting for roughly five deaths every single day.
In response, B.C. has built one of the most expansive harm-reduction systems in North America.
Related:
With widespread naloxone distribution, supervised consumption sites, and expanded treatment and recovery beds, the work continues.
“We have established the Lifeguard Connect APP,” said Josie Osbourne, B.C.’s Health Minister.
“We know more than half of the people who die of toxic drug overdoses are alone. Having an app that is anonymous, so that in the event there is the ability to connect them with 9-1-1 and do everything we can to save lives. We know this is having a positive impact.”
But not everyone is as convinced that the province is on the right path.
Claire Rattée, the B.C. Conservatives critic for mental health, addictions and housing supports, argues that too much focus has been placed on harm reduction at the expense of providing greater pathways to treatment and recovery.
“We need to make sure that we close that deadly gap between withdrawal management or detox and treatment,” Rattée said during Question Period in the B.C. Legislature.
“Right now, people are waiting weeks, if not months in between, and that is a really deadly place to be in. I know that from personal experience. It’s just not; this is not a system that is conducive to people being able to improve their lives.”
“I can’t think of any other health or social emergency where 18,000 people can die over a 10-year period. And the reaction is not swifter,” said Tanya Fader, director at PHS Community Services Society.
Those on the frontlines, like Fader says, are saying that the arrival of fentanyl has only heightened the risk for those battling addiction.
And while clearly there is no perfect solution, Fader strongly believes the road to recovery begins with a safe roof over the heads of drug users.
“I mean, I think it’s important to recognize that until people have housing and housing that they feel safe and supported in, it’s really difficult for them to contemplate, let alone to change anything else in their lives.”