Save Lives Now

"Overdose Deaths Have Increased During COVID-19 

The worsening of the drug overdose epidemic, along with the impact of COVID-19 prevention protocols, such as social distancing and quarantine, makes it more difficult for public health agencies and social services to treat those most at risk of overdose. Urgent actions for innovative strategies within the public health community are required to facilitate continued access to treatment.

Drug Overdose Deaths Increased During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Preliminary data indicates that the increases in drug overdose deaths appear to have accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic.

By the Numbers

• Preliminary data show that 81,230 overdose deaths occurred in the United States from June 2019 through May 2020, the highest number of overdose deaths ever recorded in a 12-month period.
• Synthetic opioids (likely illicitly manufactured fentanyl) appear to be the primary driver of the increases in overdose deaths.
• Overdose deaths involving cocaine increased by 26.5 percent. These deaths are likely linked to co-use of cocaine with illicitly manufactured fentanyl or heroin.
• Overdose deaths involving psychostimulants, such as methamphetamine, increased by 34.8 percent.

Preventing overdoses and deaths is critical

Medical and public health professionals, first responders, harm reduction organizations, and other community partners each have a critical role to play in overdose prevention. As the overdose epidemic continues to evolve, expand, and accelerate, the following are critical to preventing overdoses and deaths from overdose:

• Naloxone, which can reverse an opioid overdose, if administered in time
• Early detection of overdose outbreaks in communities
• Early interventions for people who are at highest risk for overdose
• Expand prevention and response activities

Health Alert Network (HAN) Advisory

CDC issued a HAN advisory to alert public health departments, healthcare professionals, first responders, harm reduction organizations, laboratories, and medical examiners and coroners to:

• Substantial increases in drug overdose deaths across the United States
• A concerning acceleration of the increase in drug overdose deaths
• Changing geographic distribution of overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids
• Significant increases in overdose deaths involving psychostimulants, such as methamphetamine
• Recommendations for communities when responding to the evolving overdose crisis.."
  Drug overdose