Statement from Daliah Heller, Vital Strategies, Vice President of Drug Use Initiatives
“For the first time in a long time, we find some cause for celebration in tracking overdose deaths. Data from the updated CDC Monthly Provisional Drug Overdose Death Counts, findings from a recent multi-state analysis covered by NPR, and our experience in the hard-hit states where we work confirm a national trend: overdoses are declining. Changes this rapid and significant are attributable to multiple changes in the environment, including the practices of people who are using drugs, changes in the drug supply, and a public health response.
“We believe that among the most essential contributors are significant investments in public health strategies and support for addressing drug use as a health issue. Harm reduction approaches ensure that people who are using drugs have access to resources for informed decision-making and safer drug use. Shifting from a punitive response to drug use is crucial for responding to the volatile drug supply, and investments in public health must expand if we want to see sustained impact on drug-related deaths, injuries and illnesses.
“However, these new data mask the continued rise in overdose deaths in Black and Indigenous populations. We must ensure that the public health response is equitably extended to all. Our experience in seven states show that coordinated efforts between local governments and groups led by those affected can bear fruit. Local partnerships have the know-how and relationships to respond in ways that drive progress and address the underlying causes shaping racial, ethnic and even geographic disparities.
“No doubt the future holds continued and dynamic challenges. The proliferation of synthetic drugs in the illicit drug supply over the past decade, a primary driver of climbing overdose rates, will likely continue. We must stand against policy efforts that seek to criminalize people in response. The imperative now is greater than ever for growing, strengthening and accelerating public health strategies to address drug use. Investing in community-driven responses will bolster the resilience we need to continue driving the curve down and meet the future with hope.”
Vital Strategies
Vital Strategies is a global health organization that believes every person should be protected by a strong public health system. Our overdose prevention program works to strengthen and scale evidence-based, data-driven policies and interventions to create equitable and sustainable reductions in overdose deaths. Work across seven U.S. states is supported by funding from the Bloomberg Philanthropies Overdose Prevention Initiative, launched in 2018, and by targeted investments from other partners.
Learn more here.
Contact:
Tony Newman, Vital Strategies: tnewman@vitalstrategies.org, 646-335-5384
Gloria Malone, Vital Strategies: gmalone@vitalstrategies.org