Overdose death rates spikes in minorities, CDC says

ATLANTA — Illicitly manufactured fentanyl and fentanyl analogs have been the driving force in overdose deaths among Black, American Indian and Alaska native people, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.

The COVID-19 pandemic, limited access to prevention, treatment, harm reduction and recovery support services likely contributed to the growth in overdose deaths, researchers said.

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According to a new CDC Vital Signs report, in 2020, the overdose death rates increased 44% for Black people and 39% for American Indian and Alaska Native people, compared to 2019.

For perspective, overdose death rates for White people were also at a historic high, with an increase of 24%.

The release also states that in 2020, the overdose death rate among Black men 65 years and older was almost seven times that of White men 65 years and older. Black people between 15-24 years old experienced the largest rate increase of 86% compared with changes seen in other age and race groups during 2019-2020. Overdose death rates for American Indian and American Native women between 25-44 years old were nearly two times that of White women between 25-44 years of age.

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The report also showed concerning trends and a widening gap between different population groups.

The CDC says there were greater disparities in overdose deaths, particularly among Black people, where the rate was more than two times as high in areas with more income inequality versus those with less income inequality. In counties with lowest income inequality, rates were highest among American Indian and Alaska Native people.

“The increase in overdose deaths and widening disparities are alarming,” said CDC Acting Principal Deputy Director Dr. Debra Houry, M.D., M.P.H. “Overdose deaths are preventable, and we must redouble our efforts to make overdose prevention a priority. We will continue to support and work collaboratively with communities. Providing tailored tools and resources to combat overdose and address underlying risk factors will ultimately help reduce health disparities and save lives.”

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Here are ways to help prevent overdose deaths:

• Increase access and reduce barriers to proven treatment and recovery support services for all people who have substance use disorder(s) and, when appropriate, include culturally tailored practices.
• Raise awareness about illegally manufactured fentanyl and reduce the stigma around treatment, recovery and harm risk reduction.
• Support harm reduction by expanding the distribution of and education about the life-saving overdose reversal drug, naloxone; expanding access to harm reduction services; and expanding education about substance use risks in populations that have been disproportionately impacted.

If you or someone you know needs help for a substance use disorder call, the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.

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