D.C. battles rising opioid overdose deaths

Overdose deaths stay excessive in D.C., at the same time as District leaders attempt to make overdose-reversing treatment and fentanyl exams extra obtainable.

Why it issues: Overdose deaths within the metropolis have been on the rise since 2015, largely because of opioids.

What’s taking place: Between March 2021 and March 2022, the estimated proportion of all drug overdose deaths in D.C. rose by 5.97%, in line with the CDC.

• Most of these estimated deaths have been particularly because of opioid overdoses, per CDC knowledge.

Based on D.C.’s chief health worker, fentanyl was current in 96% of overdose deaths.

• There have been 1,958 non-fatal overdoses in D.C. from Jan. 22 by way of June 22, and 163 deadly overdoses from Jan. 22 by way of Might 22.

Of observe: The CDC’s overdose numbers are thought of an undercount because of incomplete knowledge.

State of play: Lengthy Stay D.C., the town’s plan to handle the opioid disaster, launched a public schooling marketing campaign yesterday to encourage individuals who use opioids to reap the benefits of medication-assisted remedy and free counseling companies. Residents can name the entry line at 1-888-793-4357.

Moreover, naloxone, an opioid overdose-reversing treatment, is free for D.C. residents and not using a prescription or ID at collaborating pharmacies in all eight wards.

• Based on the town, 56,810 naloxone kits have been distributed final 12 months. D.C. additionally distributes fentanyl testing strips.

What they’re saying: Regardless of the town’s naloxone outreach, stigma stays a difficulty, says Monica Ruiz, an affiliate professor of prevention and neighborhood well being at George Washington College.

• “Folks do not need to take [naloxone]. They do not suppose it applies to them or … folks do not need to be seen taking Narcan due to the stigma round drug use,” she tells Axios.
• Medication laced with fentanyl additionally complicate the difficulty, she provides, as a result of folks could not suppose to check for the lethal substance.

Some hurt discount organizations have referred to as to decriminalize drug possession with the intention to deal with the disaster, significantly since Black residents make up the vast majority of opioid-related arrests in D.C, per DCist.

• Ruiz agrees and provides that drug use may be regulated in order that, very like in a medical marijuana dispensary, folks know the standard of the medicine they’re receiving.