California Health Officials Hopeful Outbreak Of Fentanyl Overdoses Is Slowing
There have been no reported fentanyl-related overdoses in nearly a week, following a spree that struck Sacramento County in late March. Elsewhere, The Tennessean takes a look at the state's continuing opioid problem.
The Sacramento Bee:
No New Fentanyl Overdoses, But Eight Deaths Confirmed; Probe Is Top Priority For DEA
Calling it a hopeful trend, Sacramento County public health officials announced Monday that local hospitals have reported no new overdoses related to the painkiller fentanyl in nearly a week. Also Monday, the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office confirmed that eight of the region’s 10 overdose deaths over the past month were related to fentanyl. (Buck, 4/11)
The Tennessean:
Opioid Abuse Has Death Grip On Tennessee
The state said at least 1,263 Tennesseans died from opioid overdose in 2014, the most recent figure available and one that points to rampant abuse, misuse and addiction impacting millions of Tennesseans, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For every one person who dies there are 851 people in various stages of misuse, abuse and treatment, according to the CDC. That's at least 1,074,813 Tennesseans, or 1 in 6. More people died in 2014 from opioid overdose than in car accidents in Tennessee. (Fletcher, 4/11)
The Tennessean:
Tennessee Laws To Fight Opioid Abuse
In recent years, Tennessee policymakers have enacted a series of measures to combat the state's growing opioid problem. (Wadhwani, 4/11)
