The Yukon’s epidemic of drug fatalities is showing its first signs of easing in several years.

In a new report, the Yukon Coroner’s Service has investigated six deaths since Jan. 1 which are confirmed to be the result of toxic substances. 

“All these deaths involved opioids, with five also involving cocaine,” the coroner’s service said in a statement.

“Benzodiazepines were seen in one case this year. In this same time frame for 2023, (the coroner’s service) confirmed 12 cases, 10 of which involved opioids and 11 involving cocaine.

“By the end of 2023, 23 deaths due to toxic substances were investigated, with 20 of them involving opioids.

“While every death due to toxic drug supplies is heartbreaking, the Yukon Coroner’s Service has seen (fewer) fatalities this year in comparison to the past four years of this crisis, providing a sense of hope that the situation in the Yukon is improving.”

Despite the figures sparking some optimism amongst Yukon officials, the coroner’s service is “urging all Yukoners to remain aware of the substance use health emergency that continues to affect every part of our society.

“We need to remain supportive of one another and to keep in mind that these deaths are preventable. If you are struggling, please reach out to someone you know or to the services listed below.”

Chief coroner Heather Jones said “this substance use crisis continues to be extremely difficult, and it is affecting all of us in the Yukon. We must work together to help each other as we grieve these losses across our territory.

“I am urging all Yukoners to continue to show our compassion, kindness and support to anyone struggling with substance use.”

Jones told The Yukon Star this morning she is “optimistic that programming (to combat overdoses) is making a difference. 

“And I am also hopeful that Yukon is moving away from the stigmatization that keeps people isolated and without critical supports when navigating addictions. We have too long made this a legal issue rather than treating it as the medical issue that it is. 

“I believe people are being better supported, and this is making a difference to what we are seeing,” Jones added. 

“These deaths have always been preventable. I am encouraged, however disheartened by any deaths arising from toxic substances.”

Jones encourages people to test any drugs before consumption using the drug checking services available from Blood Ties Four Directions, the Outreach Van and at the Whitehorse Emergency Shelter (405 Alexander St.). 

“Make sure to communicate with a friend about what substances you are using, and ensure they know who to call for help in an emergency,” she advises.

“Naloxone is a free, safe and effective way to reverse opioid overdose.”

Free kits are available throughout the territory. For more information on how to obtain a naloxone kit, visit Yukon.ca 

“This is a simple measure that all citizens and business owners can take to prevent fatal overdoses, and you can find it in many places in the Yukon,” Jones noted.