Ontario overhauling the way it collects data on opioid deaths, overdoses
TORONTO — Ontario is moving to overhaul the way it collects and analyzes data on opioid overdoses and deaths in an effort to get a better understanding of the extent of the problem in the province, officials said Tuesday.
“We are making significant efforts to completely turn our investigative process for opioid and other drug-related deaths on its head,” said Chief Coroner Dr. Dirk Huyer.
Police forces and health units across the province have complained about the lack of timely data, and many are struggling to come up with their own methods to track the use of the deadly opioid fentanyl.
The latest available data is for 2015, when 718 people died from opioid-related toxicity, according to the Office of the Chief Coroner.