CDC Principal Deputy Director Anne Schuchat, MD, said in a written statement.
Death rates from overdoses involving synthetic opioids increased in 21 states, with 10 states doubling their rates from 2015 to 2016, and 14 states had significant increases in death rates involving heroin. In D.C., for example, the death rate increased 392% (3.9 per 100,000 to 19.2) from synthetic opioid overdoses and 75% (9.9 per 100,000 to 17.3) for deaths related to heroin, the report showed.
“Effective, synchronized programs to prevent drug overdoses will require coordination of law enforcement, first responders, mental health/substance-abuse providers, public health agencies, and community partners,” Dr. Seth and her associates said.
SOURCE: Seth P et al. MMWR. 2018 Mar 30;67(12):349-58.