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"This graph on page 4 (above) shows a
significant and deeply disturbing statistic. For the first time ever –
fentanyl superseded all other drugs including alcohol. Most of these deaths are
from illicit fentanyl (not prescribed or legally manufactured)." Dr. Deanna Oleske, District 1 Medical Examiner |
Many people espouse the belief that illegal drug use/drug abuse is a "victimless crime."
But looking at the violence in our area and the shootings, murders, and crime---much of it revolves around drugs and the sale and distribution of illegal drugs according to those very familiar with the criminal justice system locally with whom I have spoken.
But what about the overdoses?
We received an email this week from our area's medical examiner who provided stark numbers from the state and from our four county area related to drug overdoses and deaths. From her email:
"The District 1 MEO saw a 57% increase in drug related deaths in 2020 compared to 2019. We also had a 30% increase in NON-COVID related cases – and the 2 categories that increased the most dramatically were sudden natural deaths in young persons and drug related fatalities (fentanyl and methamphetamine). This week, I had 25 decedents on the docket and 75% are drug related deaths. Last year, an average week was 15-18 decedents and now it’s 22-26. Unfortunately, COVID restrictions ease up, the drug related fatalities are continuing to increase. You would be surprised at some of the occupations of our drug overdoses --- teachers, lawyers, nurses, firefighters, truck drivers, veterans. These are our neighbors; this is our community."
Read the most recent interim state report on drug related deaths here
Illegal drug abuse is NOT a victimless crime. Perhaps it is time to get back to the basics with ads like this one that I remember seeing when I was growing up.....
