The First Nations Health Authority and BC Coroners Service have released a new report that shares key findings and recommendations to prevent unintended First Nations youth and young adult injury and deaths in BC.
A panel reviewed the circumstances of unexpected deaths of 95 First Nations youth and young adults aged 15 to 24 years, who died between Jan. 1, 2010, and Dec. 31, 2015.
The panel has made specific recommendations and actions, and has stated that these First Nations unexpected deaths are preventable.
The report found many youth and young adults had previous contact with supporting systems, such as schools, health care, community supports and services, but experienced barriers to accessing support.
The mortality rate for First Nations youth and young adults found in this report is almost two times the rate of their non-First Nations peers.