COVID-19 and overdoses were major drivers of Colorado’s death rate in 2021

Colorado recorded an uptick in deaths associated to COVID-19 and overdoses in 2021, in response to information newly finalized from the state well being division.

The large image: The dying fee in 2021 did not enhance since hitting a report excessive in 2020. Well being specialists blame individuals not getting vaccinated and hovering fentanyl use for the elevated figures.

• “It’s disconcerting to see (dying) charges are nonetheless this excessive on the finish of 2021,” Emily Johnson, the Colorado Well being Institute’s coverage director, informed the Denver Submit.

By the numbers: The three main causes of dying in 2021 have been coronary heart illness, most cancers and COVID-19.

• The state recorded 48,284 deaths final 12 months, with an age-adjusted dying fee of 784.8 per 100,000 individuals — a smidge decrease than 2020’s fee of 785.4.
• 5,298 deaths have been attributable to the coronavirus, averaging a fee of 82.5 per 100,000 individuals, in comparison with 72.8 in 2020.
• 1,943 Coloradans died by overdose — a bounce to 32.6 per 100,000 individuals from 21.6 in 2020.
• Longstanding demographic disparities persist, with Black residents averaging the best general dying fee regardless of seeing a 7% enchancment between 2020 and 2021.

What to observe: Whether or not we see a surge in COVID-19 deaths this 12 months might depend upon how shortly vaccines are retooled to battle the newest variants, and the way shortly individuals get them (in the event that they even achieve this).