In Toronto, deaths from opioid overdose surged in 2021.

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The Toronto Public Health Department and the Chief Examiner’s Office in Ontario have released data showing a surge in opioid overdose deaths in Toronto in 2021.

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Last year there were 511 deaths from overdose, an increase of 74% from 2019 and a 273% increase from 2015.

In 2021, there were 6,005 non-fatal and 357 fatal calls in which the Toronto Emergency Medical Services participated on suspicion of opioid overdose, an increase of 65% from 2020.

“The overdose crisis continues to be an urgent public health problem in Toronto. At all levels to address this scale and scale of drug addiction crisis in line with the COVID-19 pandemic response. We need resources and action from the government. These are preventable losses and are members of our community. We would like to express our deepest condolences to our lost family, friends, and loved ones of these individuals. “Dr. Irene de Villa, a health doctor in Toronto, said.

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According to the Ontario Ministry of Health, there were 3,947 emergency department visits due to opioid addiction in Toronto.

Toronto’s Overdose Action Plan includes key actions in harm reduction, education, therapeutic services, and non-criminalization of personally used drugs through The Works.

“Life lost by drug overdose is preventable and completely unacceptable. All deaths from overdose are a tragedy that devastates family, loved ones and friends. No one is affected by this crisis. Hmm. We can’t underestimate or alienate the horrific effects of these deaths, “said Mayor John Tory.

“Our city government is working with Toronto Public Health to address this as it is the surest health problem. We can implement a life-saving harm reduction program. These measures have helped stop overdose and save lives, but as the data released today show, too many people are still dying from overdose. “