Sudbury, Algoma have one of the highest rates of opioid deaths in Canada
The rate of opioid deaths in Ontario decreased by more than 10 per cent in the first two quarters of this year compared to the year before, new data shows, with the chief coroner saying the decline brings some hope.
Preliminary data from the coroner's office shows 1,278 people have died from opioid toxicity in the first six months of this year. There were 1,487 deaths in the same time period last year.
"This is a significant tragedy that is ongoing and continuing, which requires a much deeper, broader response in my mind," Chief Coroner Dr. Dirk Huyer said in an interview.
But the problem is no longer a crisis, he said.
"The way I've always looked at the word crisis is it's a terrible situation, a bad circumstance, that is short-lived," Huyer said. "And for me, this is sustained and this is an ongoing, significant public health problem."
Opioids have still killed Ontarians at a rate 55 per cent higher than in 2019, before the pandemic hit.
Nonetheless, the comparative 13 per cent death-rate decline in the first six months of this year has given Huyer some hope.
"Is it hopeful that that's a trend downwards? That's certainly a hope, but it's still a 55 per cent higher mortality rate than the 2019 range," he said.
Opioid deaths increased dramatically once the pandemic began, killing 2,462 people in 2020 and 2,911 people last year.
With lockdowns and most public health measures against COVID-19 ending in this spring, people have returned to their social networks and services for those who use drugs have become more available -- factors that may be playing a role in the decrease, Huyer said.
"That's the hope of what's going on," he said. "But it's still incredibly tragic and difficult."
Northern Ontario remains the hardest hit by opioid deaths.
The Thunder Bay District Health Unit has the highest opioid mortality rate of more than 80 people dying per 100,000 from July 2021 to June 2022. Sudbury and District Health and Algoma Public Health are next with a mortality rate around 50 per 100,000 people.
The provincial average is 19.7 deaths per 100,000 people.
"Thunder Bay, Sudbury, and Algoma are the highest rates over the year, as well as was seen last year," Huyer said.
Those aged 30 to 59 remain the most affected, accounting for 71 per cent of opioid deaths between April and June this year.
But the coroner saw some shifts in the age demographics.
Deaths among those aged 20 to 49 have decreased by 13 per cent, but they've shot up among those aged 60 and older by 44 per cent.
Men continue to account for 75 per cent of opioid toxicity deaths.
Fentanyl remains the major contributor with the substance found in 85 per cent of deaths. Other drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine and non-pharmaceutical benzodiazepines are also found in a significant number of deaths.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 24, 2022.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
There's actually no such thing as vegetables. Here's why you should eat them anyway
The rumours are true: Vegetables aren't real — that is, in botany, anyway. While the term fruit is recognized botanically as anything that contains a seed or seeds, vegetable is actually a broad umbrella term.
BREAKING Israeli forces seize Rafah border crossing in Gaza, putting ceasefire talks on knife's edge
Israeli tanks seized control of Gaza’s vital Rafah border crossing on Tuesday as Israel brushed off urgent warnings from close allies and moved into the southern city even as ceasefire negotiations with Hamas remained on a knife’s edge.
The Met Gala was in full bloom with Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, Mindy Kaling among the standout stars
The Met Gala and its fashionista A-listers on Monday included Jennifer Lopez, Zendaya and a parade of others in a swirl of flora and fauna looks on a green-tinged carpet lined by live foliage.
'It looked so legit': Ontario man books $7,700 luxury villa on Booking.com, but the listing was fake
An Ontario man says he was charged more than $7,700 to book a luxury villa on a popular travel website -- but the listing was fake.
Noelia Voigt resigns as Miss USA, citing her mental health
Noelia Voigt, who was crowned Miss USA in November 2023, has announced she is resigning from her role, saying the decision is in the best interest of her mental health.
Putin begins his fifth term as president, more in control of Russia than ever
Vladimir Putin began his fifth term Tuesday as Russian leader at a glittering Kremlin inauguration, setting out on another six years in office after destroying his political opponents, launching a devastating war in Ukraine and concentrating all power in his hands.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
Trump faces jail threat over gag order as prosecutors zero in on transactions at heart of the case
Donald Trump returns to his hush money trial Tuesday facing a threat of jail time for additional gag order violations as prosecutors gear up to summon big-name witnesses in the final weeks of the case.