According to a report from Shatterproof, fentanyl overdose deaths increased by 14% in 2018. Here are some impressive numbers and recommendations from the non-profit that have the power to save countless lives:
QUICK FACTS
Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is 50-100 times more potent than heroin, is fueling the most lethal drug epidemic America has experienced in the past century.
Most recent cases of fentanyl-related overdose and death are linked to illegally manufactured fentanyl. It is often mixed with heroin and/or cocaine as a combination product – with or without the user’s knowledge.
THE DEMOGRAPHIC
About 3/4 deaths are male
8/10 are white
3 /4 victims are 25 - 54 years old
STATES WITH MORE DRUG OVERDOSES
Ohio, New York, Florida, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, and Illinois reported the highest total number of fentanyl related overdose deaths from 2011 through 2017.
In 2017 alone, these nine states were responsible for nearly 60% of all fentanyl deaths in the United States.16
STATE INITIATIVES TO REDUCE FENTANYL DEATHS
· Overdose data collection and information sharing
· Wide access to Naloxone
· 911 Good Samaritan Laws
· Public education and prevention campaigns
· Access to treatment for all (including those in correctional facilities)
RECOMMENDATION FOR STATES
1- Standardized data collection, analysis and information sharing must be implemented to allow for - development of timely and accurate strategies.
2- Fentanyl test strips should be made legal.
3- Access to Naloxone (Narcan) should be expanded.
4- Encourage 911 calls to avert overdose deaths by adopting robust Good Samaritan Laws.
5- Launch and expand public educational campaigns targeting fentanyl.
6- Reduce stigma through education and policy change.
Source: THE FENTANYL EPIDEMIC | © 2019 DRUG STRATEGIES & SHATTERPROOF
