B.C. health authority says survey for illicit drug users aimed at saving lives

SURREY, B.C. – British Columbia's largest health authority has launched an online survey for people who use drugs at home alone in an effort to learn what services are needed by those who could overdose.

Fraser Health's chief medical health officer Dr. Victoria Lee says people risk their lives daily because they want to keep their illicit drug use hidden.

The anonymous survey covers topics such as how community services are currently used, barriers to accessing supports and how people could be better served.

Family members and friends of people dealing with addiction can also take the survey, which will be available until June 5.

The BC Coroners Service has said 1,446 people fatally overdosed last year and more than 90 per cent of those died in inside locations like homes, hotels, public buildings or businesses.

Many of the deaths involved drugs such as heroin being laced with the powerful opioid fentanyl.