B.C. to provide $1M to expand local overdose supports to rural and Indigenous communities

The B.C. government has announced expanded supports for local overdose response and awareness for people living in rural, remote and Indigenous communities.

More than $1 million in grants will be provided to 23 rural, remote and Indigenous communities where substance use services can be limited and the illicit drug overdose crisis is magnified.

The Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions says in a news release data from January to October 2020 shows Indigenous people died from overdoses at a rate more than five times higher than other B.C. residents.

The B.C. Coroners Service reported a record number of illicit drug overdose deaths last year, 1,716 people, while February's overdose deaths at 155 was the largest number ever recorded for that month.

The Coroners Service also reported disproportionately high numbers of overdose deaths last year in communities like Fort Nelson, Keremeos, Hope and Prince George.

The ministry says the local grants will connect people to groups and organizations offering life-saving supports, developing harm reduction policies and building relationships.

"People living in rural, remote and Indigenous communities are best equipped to address the overdose crisis on the ground in their communities," Sheila Malcolmson, mental health and addictions minister, saidin a statement.