Island Health recorded 343 overdose deaths in 2025, BC Coroners say

Island Health recorded 343 unregulated drug deaths in 2025, about a 25% decline from 2024, the BC Coroners Service reports; province‑wide toxic drug deaths fell to 1,826 in 2025, down 21% from 2024.

Island Health recorded 343 unregulated drug deaths in 2025, the BC Coroners Service reports. That count is roughly 25 per cent lower than the 2024 total for the region. Across British Columbia, coroners reported 1,826 toxic drug deaths in 2025, a 21 per cent decline from 2024 and the first annual total below 2,000 since 2020. The BC Coroners Service has published a full review of 2025 on its website. Key facts: - Island Health reported 343 unregulated drug deaths in 2025, down from 459 in 2024. - British Columbia recorded 1,826 toxic drug deaths in 2025, a 21% decrease from 2024. - Island Health's decline is reported as about 25% compared with the prior year. - The Coroners Service reports most toxic drug deaths occurred indoors, and about 48% took place in private residences. Summary: Provincial totals for toxic drug deaths decreased in 2025 and Island Health's reported deaths declined from the prior year. Undetermined at this time.