News Article

Epidemic and emergency, or why Ohio must do more in response to its opioid overdose deaths

Monday, January 2, 2017

by Akron Beacon Journal

Ohio leads the nation in deaths due to heroin and other opioid overdoses. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the toll climbed from 2,106 in 2014 to 3,050 last year, with an even higher number projected for 2016. Ohio outpaces New York and California, states with much larger populations.

The national rate for deaths by opioid overdose is 10.4 per 100,000. In Summit County, the rate is about 18 deaths. In rural, southern parts of the state, the rate reaches as high as 40. Ohio ranks with Kentucky, West Virginia, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island as the states most affected by this deadly epidemic.

... state Rep. Greta Johnson rightly continues to call for something better from the state — the declaration of a statewide emergency and the formation of a special legislative committee to focus on a coordinated strategy, the state tapping public health expertise and using its resources to help counties and local agencies respond more effectively.

http://www.ohio.com/editorial/editorials/epidemic-and-emergency-or-why-ohio-must-do-more-in-response-to-its-opioid-overdose-deaths-1.737557