Three deaths that are suspected to be the outcome of recent use of “toxic illicit drugs” since mid-January are being investigated by the Yukon Coroner’s Service, according to a press release.
The Jan. 26 press release states that while toxicology results are pending, evidence confirms that substance use contributed to these deaths. The release comes two days after Blood Ties Four Directions Centre took to social media to caution the community about “a number of overdoses” in the last few weeks.
Deaths suspected to be the result of illicit substance use make up 40 per cent of deaths reported to the coroner’s service in 2024, per the release, which notes these deaths are believed to be unrelated to each other.
“I am urging all Yukoners to remain aware of the substance use health emergency we continue to be faced with, and to take steps to address this with urgency. The impact of the pain and grief of the families and friends of those who have lost their lives continues to be felt deeply. We know that these deaths are preventable, and now as the devastation continues, we need to support one another in this crisis,” chief coroner Heather Jones said in the release.
“I am once again asking all Yukoners to demonstrate kindness and compassion for those who are struggling and for those who are grieving the lives lost.”
In 2023, 23 people died related to substance use — 20 of which involved opioids and 19 involved fentanyl, which is consistent with what was investigated the previous year — according to the release.
That’s compared to 24 substance-use related deaths investigated in 2022.
The 23 deaths in 2023 represent 23 per cent of all cases investigated by the coroner’s service that year.
In 2023, cocaine was found in 21 cases and alcohol continues to factor into many of the deaths; benzodiazepines were seen into August 2023; and flurofentanyl was seen beginning in October 2023 and consistently in deaths at the end of the year, per the release.
Twenty-two of the 23 deaths in 2023 occurred in Whitehorse, as noted in the release.
“What these findings show is that the source of these illicit drugs is inconsistent, and Yukoners need to be incredibly careful when they choose to use,” reads the release.
Regarding the 20 deaths in 2023 involving opioids, the release indicates that 13 were male, 14 identified as First Nation, 19 took place in Whitehorse and the ages ranged from early 20s to mid-60s, with people in their 30s being most “profoundly affected.”
Jones said the Yukon Coroner’s Service continues to send its “deep condolences and support to the families and communities who have been so unfathomably impacted by these deaths.”
The Yukon government declared a substance-use health emergency on Jan. 20, 2022, and released its substance-use health emergency strategy on Aug. 23, 2023.
Following the coroner’s release on Jan. 26, the Yukon government issued a statement attributed to Health and Social Services Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee, who offered “heartfelt condolences to those mourning the loss of loved ones” and highlighted the government’s work to provide and expand services related to mental wellness and substance use services, opioid treatment services and naloxone kits.
“The recent news release from Yukon’s Chief Coroner, highlighting the continuing tragedy of lives lost to toxic illicit drugs in our community, is a stark reminder of the persistent challenge we continue to face. The data revealing the impact of substance use, particularly opioids, in our territory is deeply troubling. These are not just statistics; they represent our community members, friends, and family — their loss is felt by us all,” she said.
“Our government remains steadfast in its commitment to addressing this emergency through a comprehensive approach that includes prevention, harm reduction, treatment and support for recovery, and community safety and wellbeing. We continue to work with community partners, health care providers and those with lived experience to find sustainable solutions.”
McPhee said the Yukon government is “committed to continuing to tackle” the substance-use health emergency with “urgency and compassion.”
Yukon NDP Leader Kate White sent a statement in which she said she’s “heartbroken to hear” about the three deaths already this year.
“My heart goes out to the families, friends and communities feeling these devastating losses,” she said.
“This is an emergency and we need immediate, meaningful action.”
The coroner’s release lists advice and resources including: the National Overdose Response Service at 1-888-688-6677 for people using drugs alone; Blood Ties Four Directions Centre, the outreach van and emergency medical services to check drugs before using and the Department of Health and Social Services for opioid treatment services including safer supply. The Referred Care Clinic, Blood Ties Four Directions Centre’s supervised consumption site, 405 Alexander St., Housing First and Cornerstone also provide opioid treatment services.
Mental wellness and substance use services offers rapid access counselling in person, virtually or by phone from Monday to Friday. “Secure an appointment within three business days by calling 867-456-3838 or toll-free at 1-866-456-3838,” reads the release.
Drop-in counselling is available through the Yukon division of the Canadian Mental Health Association in person, virtually or by phone from Monday to Saturday. “Learn more at 867-668-6429,” reads the release.
Per the release, a support line is available through the Yukon division of the Canadian Mental Health Association daily from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. at 1-844-533-3030.
Supports for mental health emergencies listed in the release include calling or texting the suicide crisis helpline at 988; 1-855-242-3310 to contact Help for Wellness and 1-866-925-4419 for the 24-hour residential school survivor crisis line.
Contact Dana Hatherly at dana.hatherly@yukon-news.com