Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
New Record For Fatal Drug Overdoses
AP: Worst Year On Record For Drug Overdoses In Virginia
This year is proving to be the worst on record by far for fatal drug overdoses in Virginia, a statewide forensic epidemiologist said. Rosie Hobron, of the Virginia Department of Health’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, told The Virginian-Pilot that as of October, the most recent report available, there will be 2,053 deaths from drugs in 2020. (12/12)
Cincinnati Enquirer: Should Ohio Decriminalize Addiction? Bill Heads To Vote This Week
Ohio could soon take the biggest step toward decriminalizing drugs since the "war on drugs" began in the 1970s. Senate Bill 3, pending in the Ohio House, would reduce penalties for possessing smaller amounts of drugs while keeping stronger penalties for having larger quantities. The goal: Get people treatment for their drug addictions and keep them out of prison, which can impact a person's ability to find a job for the rest of their life. The bill has broad support from opposite ends of the political spectrum, from the Koch brothers to employment agencies. But law enforcement and judges remain opposed. They say reducing felony possession charges to misdemeanors, punishable by jail time but not prison, will remove an effective tool for nudging people into treatment. (Borchardt and DeMio, 12/13)
Albuquerque Journal: Despite COVID-19, NM Suicide Rate Is Steady, LFC Says
New Mexico has one of the highest suicide rates in the country, and the COVID-19 pandemic could make it worse. But preliminary statewide suicide data doesn’t show an increase during January through October this year, according to Legislative Finance Committee research. An LFC Action Plan, released Tuesday, shows there were 515 suicides in the state last year, and the ripple effects of the pandemic “will likely exacerbate behavioral health issues and could lead to an increase in suicides.” (Perea, 12/13)
AP: Maine Looks To Boost Mental Health Resources For Farmers
Maine’s agriculture department is adding new resources about mental health for farmers and foresters in the state. The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry said it has added a mental health resources page to its website. The page includes information about noticing signs of stress and tools for managing stress. (12/12)
