CDC reports increase in overdose deaths

While overdose deaths in the United States were already increasing in the months preceding the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 81,000 drug overdose deaths occurred in the 12 months ending in May 2020, the highest number of overdose deaths ever recorded in a 12-month period. 

Miami-Dade County is working with the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention and other organizations to develop data collection tools that will inform strategies and programs to be implemented by the County to address specific challenges resulting from the opioid epidemic.

What you can do

Not all overdoses have to end in death. Everyone has a role to play.

• Learn about locking your meds
• Learn about the risks of opiods.
• Learn about naloxone, its availability, and how to use it.
• Help people struggling with opioid use disorder to find the right care and treatment.

For resources and more information visit Opioid Affected Youth Initiative (OAYI).