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The latest Fraser Health Overdose Emergency Report shows that 23 people have died of overdoses within the first eight months of 2018 and a projected total of 44 people are expected to die in Burnaby by the end of 2018. Across Fraser Health 309 people have already died from January 1st to August 30th 2018. Another 155 people are projected to die by the end of 2018 in Fraser Health; across BC that number is expected to rise to 1,458.
 So far, 71 Burnaby residents have attended one of the three prior dialogues to not just learn about the crisis, but also to discuss ways to reduce this ongoing tragedy. Feedback has been excellent, and people are identifying one action that they themselves can take towards making a difference before they leave! Our last Burnaby dialogue is occurring November 8th; details below. Through engaging as many people as possible in open and safe discussion about overdose and drug use, we hope to reduce fears and stigma that create barriers to reducing these crises. This crisis is real and affects many of us.
Come join the conversation. It is Free.  It is important. Translators will be available in recognition that Burnaby is a very diverse multi-cultural community. Dinner is included.

 

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Burnaby experienced the seventh largest number of deaths from illicit drug overdose in the province and the third largest number of deaths within Fraser Health in 2017. 
  • The province declared an opioid overdose public health emergency in 2016.  Provincially, fatal fentanyl overdoses grew from 25% in 2014 to over 80% in 2017 (BC Coroners Service).
  • According to the BC Coroner’s reports, the majority of overdoses are happening inside private residences – in other words, behind closed doors.  There is so much stigma attached to addictions that often people do not want to ‘out themselves’ and face death because of it.