Check Out the National Center for Health Statistics Data Brief – Drug-poisoning Deaths Involving Heroin: United States, 2000-2013

The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) has released a data brief providing a description of trends and demographics for heroin-related drug overdose deaths in the United States from 2000-2013. During this time period, the rate for drug-poisoning deaths involving heroin nearly quadrupled from 0.7 deaths per 100,000 in 2000 to 2.7 deaths per 100,000 in 2013, with most of the increase occurring after 2010. Men and adults aged 25-44 have the highest incidence of heroin-related overdose, though the rates for drug-poisoning death involving heroin have increased in all regions of the country and for all age, race, and ethnicity groups.

The key findings from the data brief demonstrate the extent to which opioid overdoses have become a public health crisis transcending all demographic groups. In response to this growing epidemic, the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) has developed a Law Enforcement Naloxone Toolkit, designed to provide law enforcement agencies with important information about naloxone, a potentially lifesaving drug known for effectively restoring breathing to a victim in the midst of a heroin or other opioid overdose. Since law enforcement officers are often first to respond on an overdose scene, this Toolkit gives agencies the resources they need to prepare for these medical emergencies safely and effectively.

Read the NCHS data brief for more information.

For more information about the Law Enforcement Naloxone Toolkit, please click here.