Sharp Increase In Opioid Overdoses In ERs Paints Grim Picture Of An Ever-Worsening Epidemic
New data shows that overdoses spiked 30 percent last summer, compared to the same period in 2016. "This is a very difficult and fast-moving epidemic and there are no easy solutions," said Dr. Anne Schuchat, acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The Associated Press:
Opioid Overdoses In ERs Up 30 Percent As Crisis Worsens
Emergency rooms saw a big jump in overdoses from opioids last year — the latest evidence the nation's drug crisis is getting worse. A government report released Tuesday shows overdoses from opioids increased 30 percent late last summer, compared to the same three-month period in 2016. The biggest jumps were in the Midwest and in cities, but increases occurred nationwide. (Stobbe, 3/6)
The Washington Post:
Emergency Room Data Shows The Opioid Crisis Continues To Accelerate
The 142,557 emergency visits in 45 states marked a nearly 30 percent increase between the third quarter of 2016 and the same period of 2017, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Tuesday. In 16 states that have suffered high rates of overdose deaths, the jump was even higher, at 34.5 percent. No region or demographic group was spared, and two states — Wisconsin and Delaware — saw overdose visits to their emergency rooms more than double. (Bernstein, 3/6)
NPR:
CDC: Opioid Overdoses Jump 30 Percent In A Year
"We have an emergency on our hands," says acting CDC Director Anne Schuchat. "The fast-moving opioid overdose epidemic continues and is accelerating." The largest regional increase occurred in the Midwest, which saw a 69.7 percent jump in opioid overdoses, according to the report. The jump was driven in part by a 109 percent increase in Wisconsin. Overdoses increased 40.3 percent in the West, 21.3 percent in the Northeast, 20.2 percent in the Southwest and 14 percent in the Southeast. (Stein, 3/6)
The Hill:
CDC Data Shows Rapid Increase In ER Visits For Opioid Overdoses
The report illustrates the depth of the epidemic at a time when Congress is renewing efforts to pass opioid legislation. The House Energy and Commerce Committee is hoping to get a package to the House floor by Memorial Day. (Sullivan, 3/6)
Cleveland Plain Dealer:
Opioid Overdoses Spiked 28 Percent In Ohio Last Year, CDC Says
A few areas, including Kentucky, noted decreased overdoses. The report said Kentucky's reduction "might be explained by fluctuations in drug supply and warrant confirmation," and small decreases in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island could be "related to implementation of interventions including expansion of access to medication-assisted treatment." (Eaton, 3/6)
Chicago Tribune:
Illinois Emergency Rooms See 66 Percent Spike In Opioid Overdose Visits: Report
Illinois emergency rooms experienced a 66 percent jump in opioid overdose visits last year, according to a new report that suggests the epidemic of heroin and prescription painkiller abuse continues to worsen in some states. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released state emergency room data Tuesday in a report that encourages hospitals and health departments to do more to combat outbreaks and prevent repeat overdoses. (Elejalde-Ruiz, 3/6)
