ASTHO conducted focus groups to examine overdose-related issues and identify potential engagement opportunities for public health and public safety around overdose prevention. This brief outlines key takeaways and is designed to serve as a guide for public health building and strengthening relationships with public safety.
The opioid crisis continues to claim the lives of thousands across the United States and has cost the economy billions in health care, mortality, and criminal justice costs. In 2018, it’s estimated that 67,367 people died of overdose, with opioids (prescription opioids, heroin, and other synthetic opioids other than methadone) made up almost 70% of overdose deaths. Provisional data for the twelve-month period ending December 2019 shows that there were 71,130 overdose deaths, with 50,178 overdose deaths attributed to opioids. The COVID-19 pandemic has also exacerbated the drug overdose crisis. Data shows that in the time of continued lockdowns and social distancing that overdose rates have increased, indicating a sustained need to support people with substance use disorder.