HARRISBURG, Pa. (WKBN) – The overdose and opioid epidemic continues throughout the nation, together with Pennsylvania and Ohio.
In line with the Pennsylvania Division of Well being, the opioid overdose epidemic is the worst public well being disaster throughout the Commonwealth and the nation in nearly a era.
In line with the newest statistics, there have been 5,146 overdose deaths in Pennsylvania in 2022; of them, 78% had been opioid-related. Mercer and Lawrence counties had been amongst 19 counties throughout the state the place the overdose demise charge exceeded the state common of three.96%.
Stats present Lawrence County with the best overdose demise charge at 9.8% in 2022, first behind Philadelphia County at 9.0%. Mercer County was at 4.3%. The overdose demise crude charge was primarily based on per 10,000 inhabitants in keeping with the positioning.
The opioid overdose disaster is impacting everybody female and male, younger and outdated, in keeping with the Nationwide Institute of Drug Abuse.
In Pennsylvania overdose demise charges had been the best amongst these ages 35-44 years outdated, Hispanic individuals, Black individuals, and males.
Mark O’Neill, spokesperson with the Pennsylvania Division of Well being instructed First Information in an e mail, “The opioid epidemic and overdose disaster doesn’t discriminate, because it impacts individuals of all backgrounds and from all areas throughout Pennsylvania, together with huge cities, the suburbs, and rural areas. The Shapiro Administration’s complete of presidency strategy focuses on schooling, prevention, and offering entry to therapy for Pennsylvanians affected by substance use dysfunction.”
Well being officers take an all-hands-on-deck strategy to battling the disaster. The most recent strategy consists of the addition of latest coaching instruments to assist healthcare suppliers and public security professionals throughout the Commonwealth battle the overdose and opioid disaster.
These on-line programs are free and embrace persevering with schooling credit for well being care suppliers which can additionally meet numerous licensing necessities. Go to the Division of Well being’s web site for well being care suppliers and public security professionals for extra data.
Statistics for 2023 haven’t but been launched.
Within the meantime, the Ohio Division of Well being remains to be months away from finalizing its overdose demise depend for 2023. A put up on its web site earlier this month says that overdose deaths seem to have fallen about 6% in 2023.
As of March 8, 4,307 overdose deaths in 2023 have been confirmed and recorded in state mortality knowledge, down from 4,584 deaths recorded on the identical day in 2022. In line with the positioning, the lower was seen within the 12 months’s last 4 months.
Elements that might be attributed to the decline in overdose deaths within the second half of 2023, in keeping with the positioning might be:
elevated naloxone distribution and use
higher entry to therapy
declines in drug use ranges, maybe because the impact of Covid wanes
modifications in worldwide or native drug markets that aren’t but understood
To seek out extra details about how the state is battling the disaster, go to Hurt Discount Ohio.