New data from Public Health Ontario reveals that deaths related to opioids have reached an all time high of approximately 1200 deaths in the province.
The preliminary data for opioid related morbidity and mortality includes deaths related to heroin, oxycodone, and fentanyl, and highlights an average of three deaths per day due to opioids.
Overdose deaths in Ontario related to opioids increased by approximately 45 per cent in 2017 (compared to 867 overdose deaths in 2016). It also marks the first time that the number of fatalities from opioids in the province has surpassed 1,000. In addition, emergency room visits due to opioids have also significantly increased over the past year, at 7,512 visits, a 69 per cent increase since 2016.
The updated 2017 data is considered preliminary and is subject to change as remaining cases are closed by the Office of the Chief Coroner of Ontario. The data reported last week includes both confirmed and probable cases of opioid fatalities.
For more information on Ontario data related to the harms regarding opioids, visit Public Health Ontario’s website.