Overdose deaths decline but remain high
June 4, 2024
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, May, 2024 LINK
Estimated deaths from drug overdoses in the US declined about 3.3% to 107,543 in 2023 but remained historically and tragically high. Synthetic opioids like fentanyl represented over two-thirds (69%) of deaths, followed by deaths from stimulants like methamphetamines and cocaine. Many overdose deaths were caused by multiple drugs.
An article in JAMA Psychiatry earlier this month estimated that 320,000 children under age 18 lost a parent to an overdose death between 2011 and 2021. Overdose deaths may have decreased due to increased access to naloxone to reverse overdoses and increased access to addiction treatment. Still, many with opioid use disorder are unable to find drug treatment in-network covered by their employer sponsored health plans.
Implications for employers:
Employer plans offer access to drug treatment programs, which are key to decreasing the risk of drug overdose. Employers can demand increased, high-quality substance use treatment options from their carriers, including virtual treatment from evidence-based providers.
Employer plans also cover nasal naloxone (Narcan), which can save the life of someone with an acute narcotic overdose. Anyone who is resuscitated with naloxone should be transported to an emergency department for evaluation, as the naloxone is shorter acting than most “street” narcotics. An emergency department can also establish a plan for follow-up treatment.
Employers can include naloxone in onsite first aid kits, and train employees on proper use. Employers that do this should include naloxone use in their policies and procedures, and regularly replace used or outdated naloxone. First responders, such as local fire and police departments, often offer free training on the administration of naloxone for businesses.
Employers can ask their carriers to report on access to and utilization of substance use disorder treatment programs.
Many community public health departments offer naloxone and strips to test for fentanyl.
Here’s a link to a previous post on creating a recovery friendly workplace.
Here’s a link to a WTW podcast of use of Narcan in the construction industry.
Wednesday: FDA approves self-swab for cervical cancer screening