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Hamilton Opioid Information System - Deaths

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Opioid-related deaths are increasing annually in Hamilton.

In 2021: 

  • As of December, 165 Hamilton deaths are probable or confirmed to be opioid related. 

Previous years:

  • 2020: 127 Hamilton deaths are probable or confirmed to be opioid related.
  • 2019: 106 Hamilton deaths are probable or confirmed to be opioid related.

In 2018:

  • 125 confirmed opioid-related deaths in the City of Hamilton.
  • The confirmed deaths represent a 40% increase over the same period last year (88 deaths).
  • Between 2016 (52) and 2017 (88) , there was a 66% increase in the opioid-related death rates.

Note that probable deaths are those for which the investigation to determine cause of death is ongoing. 

Note: Preliminary data for 2020 and 2021; contains confirmed and probable cases.
Source: Office of the Chief Coroner of Ontario, extracted from the Public Health Ontario Interactive Opioid Tool, April 18, 2022.

 

How Hamilton compares

Between 2005 and 2021, Hamilton had a higher rate of opioid-related deaths when compared to the provincal average.

  • In 2021, Hamilton's opioid-related death rate was 47% higher than the provincial rate. 
  • In 2020, Hamilton's opioid-related death rate was 30% higher than the provincial rate.
  • In 2019, Hamilton's opioid-related death rate was 74% higher than the provincial rate. A decrease in opioid-related death rate was noted from 2018 to 2019 in Hamilton.
  • In 2018, Hamilton's opioid-related death rate was 111% higher than or more than double the provincial rate.
  • In 2017, Hamilton's opioid-related death rate was 69% higher than the provincial rate.

For more information about opioid-related deaths in Ontario, view the Public Health Ontario's Interactive Opioid Tool.

Source: Office of the Chief Coroner of Ontario, extracted from the Public Health Ontario Interactive Opioid Tool, May 11, 2022.