New Brunswick has experienced record high opioid-related deaths involving fentanyl for two consecutive years (2023 and 2024). In 2024, fentanyl was detected in 57% of such deaths (42 out of 78), with most victims aged 40-49. The drug supply is increasingly toxic, often containing additives like xylazine. Naloxone distribution has significantly increased, but higher doses are frequently needed to reverse overdoses. Harm reduction providers emphasize the critical need for improved mental health care and support for vulnerable populations.
N.B. opioid deaths involving fentanyl at all-time high, says Public Health
New BrunswickSaint JohnNaloxoneFentanylOpioid addictionPublic health
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️New Brunswick has experienced record high opioid-related deaths involving fentanyl for two consecutive years (2023 and 2024). In 2024, fentanyl was detected in 57% of such deaths (42 out of 78), with most victims aged 40-49. The drug supply is increasingly toxic, often containing additives like xylazine. Naloxone distribution has significantly increased, but higher doses are frequently needed to reverse overdoses. Harm reduction providers emphasize the critical need for improved mental health care and support for vulnerable populations.
Trending- 1 January 2020 - December 2024: 549 apparent substance toxicity deaths recorded.
- 2 2020: 146 naloxone kits distributed.
- 3 2021: 634 naloxone kits distributed.
- 4 2023: Fentanyl present in 56% of lethal opioid overdoses.
- 5 2024: Fentanyl present in 57% (42 of 78) of opioid-related deaths; 4,215 naloxone kits distributed.
- 6 This month (June 2025): Public Health report issued; changes to the Mental Health Act passed into law.
- 7 Last week (June 2025): A regular client of Avenue B Harm Reduction died from a fentanyl overdose; Health Minister John Dornan spoke in Fredericton.
- Record number of deaths from opioid toxicity
- Increased complexity of overdoses requiring more naloxone doses
- Strain on harm reduction services
- Increased homelessness among vulnerable populations
- Calls for improved mental health care and support for those aging out of government care
What: Opioid-related deaths involving fentanyl reached an all-time high in New Brunswick for two consecutive years.
When: 2023 and 2024 (data reported in June 2025).
Where: New Brunswick, specifically Saint John and Fredericton.
Why: Extremely toxic drug supply (including fentanyl and xylazine), co-occurrence of multiple drug classes, and a lack of adequate mental health care and support for vulnerable populations (e.g., those aging out of government care and experiencing homelessness).
How: Overdoses from fentanyl and other toxic substances.