By Matthew Sims
A Coroners Court of Victoria report has highlighted the number of drug overdose deaths within Maribyrnong have returned to the 2017 level.
According to the report which collated drug overdose death data from 2012 to 2021, a total of 14 individuals died due to a drug overdose, five of which involved heroin.
In Hobsons Bay, the number of drug overdose deaths were the highest they have been during the 10-year period at 11 deaths.
cohealth chief executive Nicole Bartholomeusz said despite a small statewide decline from 536 deaths in 2020 to 500 deaths in 2021, the number of people who lost their lives to overdose in metropolitan Melbourne in 2021 reached a 10-year high of 399 deaths.
“One death is too many,” she said.
“Behind these numbers are humans experiencing one of the most highly stigmatised health conditions globally.”
With International Overdose Awareness Day on Wednesday, August 31, Ms Bartholomeusz said the focus needed to be on reducing harm and increasing the distribution of opioid overdose-reversal drug Naloxone, with more than 40 lives saved in the Maribyrnong and surrounding area thanks to the Naloxone distribution from the Health Works clinic in Footscray.
“There needs to be a greater shift to health-based responses to drug use, instead of justice-based responses,” she said.
“People are dying because the stigma, shame and fear of punishment attached to drug use stops them from seeking help and accessing services.”
The report showed males were on average twice as likely as females to die from overdose and people aged between 35 and 54 were most at risk
Victorian state coroner Judge John Cain said despite seeing a statewide decline in drug overdose deaths, it was “concerning” to still have 500 Victorians die last year.
“These deaths are preventable and it is critical that we improve access to supports, treatment and education,” he said.
“Drug-related harms are always shifting, in response to changes in drug use, availability and regulation.”
Details: www.coronerscourt.vic.gov.au/victorian-overdose-deaths-2012-2021
