OHA SEES 70 PERCENT INCREASE IN DRUG OVERDOSE DEATHS

October 30, 2020 3:25 a.m.

Officials with the Oregon Health Authority saw a spike in drug overdose deaths in the state this past spring compared to last year.

An OHA release said public health experts believe use of illicit fentanyl and methamphetamine is driving the increase.

The release said analysts in the Injury and Prevention Section of the OHA Public Health Division found that Oregon saw a nearly 70 percent increase in the number of overdose deaths in April and May 2020 compared to the same time in 2019. There was also a nearly 8 percent increase in the number of overdose deaths during the first quarter of 2020, compared to the same time period in 2019.

The release said in addition, the analysis found that between April and May of 2020, there was a 28 percent increase in overdose deaths and a more than 15 percent increase in overdose deaths between March and April. Opioid-involved deaths increased nearly 70 percent in April and May compared to the previous two months. Opioid deaths accounted for almost 73 percent of total overdose deaths in May 2020.

Of opioid-involved deaths, the data shows that fentanyl and heroin continue to be the drugs most frequently involved. Fentanyl-involved deaths accounted for almost 40 percent of total overdose deaths in May 2020.

The release said the analysis also uncovered a continuing “alarming” trend in methamphetamine use: Methamphetamine and amphetamine involved deaths accounted for more than 40 percent of all overdose deaths in May 2020.

OHA said what is unclear is what effect the COVID-19 pandemic may have had on opioid misuse in Oregon. Deputy State Health Director and Deputy State Epidemiologist for the Public Health Division, Dr. Tom Jeanne said until more data becomes available, it is premature to say how much of the spike in overdose is attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic. Jeanne said the realization is that residents will be dealing with COVID-19 for some time, and other stressors related to jobs, school and social isolation, may increase feelings of anxiety and depression, and that can lead to a harmful level of alcohol or other drug use.