Coroner’s court report reveals Geelong overdose death data

New overdose data reveals how many people lost their lives in Geelong last year, with the number of deaths around Victoria dubbed “catastrophic”.

VAADA CEO Chris Christoforou. Picture: Supplied

Greater Geelong recorded 22 overdose deaths last year, a new report has revealed,with advocates dubbing the number of fatalities in Victoria “catastrophic”.

While there was a slight drop in Geelong – which had 23 deaths in 2021 – the report, released by the Coroners Court of Victoria, showed there was an increase in overdose deaths statewide, with 549 in 2022, compared to 500 in 2021.

It was the highest annual number recorded in the past decade, just exceeding the previous peak of 543 overdose deaths recorded in 2018.

The Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association (VAADA) said it was the highest number of deaths since at least 2009, and likely the highest on record for the state.

It said the outcome was no less than catastrophic.

Metropolitan Melbourne accounted for slightly more than three-quarters of overdose deaths, however, the death rate per head of population in Melbourne was very similar to the rate in regional Victoria, the coroner’s court said.

In 2022, a majority (77.6 per cent) of overdose deaths involved multiple drugs.

Statewide heroin-involved overdose deaths increased in 2022, but they dropped in Greater Geelong, to seven from 10 in 2021.

The municipality has been among the state’s most frequent locations for heroin-related overdose deaths during the past decade, the report said.

VAADA chief executive Chris Christoforou said it would support the implementation of various harm-reduction measures such as drug checking and overdose prevention centres. “There is also a pressing need to increase the capacity of Victoria pharmacotherapy system as well as increase the capacity of AOD treatment services to meet increasing and unmet needs,” he said.

Victorian State Coroner, Judge John Cain.

The Surf Coast recorded one overdose death in 2022, while the Borough of Queenscliffe did not have any, according to the coroner’s court data.

The report showed pharmaceutical drugs were the most frequent contributors to Victorian overdose deaths last year, playing a role in nearly three-quarters of all deaths.

Illegal drugs contributed in just over half of overdose deaths, and alcohol in about 30 per cent.

Victorian State Coroner, Judge John Cain, said overdose deaths remained a concerning public health issue.

“We must continue to improve access to supports, treatment and education,” he said.

“Addressing drug-related harms requires an understanding of the complexities around access to drugs and alcohol and the drivers of use.”

Barwon Health mental health, drugs and alcohol services clinical director Professor Steve Moylan said its harm-reduction service provided a range of supports to drug users, including education on overdose risks and training on how to reduce and reverse overdoses.

“Naloxone, the medication used to reverse an opioid overdose including heroin, is provided for free,” he said.

Originally published as Coroner’s court report reveals Geelong overdose death data