Clarity on Opioids Revealed - As the COVID-19 pandemic in the USA has eased, the extent of devastation caused during this period by the opioid epidemic is no longer obscured. [The Lancet 7.24.2021] 

Data released by the National Center for Health Statistics on July 14 show a steep rise in overdose deaths. Between December, 2019, and December, 2020—the peak of the pandemic in the USA—more than 93 000 Americans died from drug overdoses, up 29·4% over the previous 12 months.

This figure equates to roughly 255 overdose deaths per day; national daily COVID-19 deaths currently hover at around the same number. And with 2020 seeing the largest year-on-year increase in overdose deaths (21 000), it is the pivotal moment to re-examine the opioid crisis response. 

Full article here.  

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