2 January 2021
According to the Paso Robles Daily News, the sheriff’s office in San Luis Obispo County reported a record number of drug-related deaths in 2020.
In the past year, at least 57 people have died from drug overdoses in SLO County, and probably more. The coroner is currently investigating another 19 deaths as possible overdoses, which could increase the total number of deaths from overdoses to 76.
Over the past few years, SLO County has noticed an increase in drug overdose by 41 in 2017, 44 in 2018 and 53 in 2019.
Locally and across the country, opiates such as heroin and fentanyl have led to the majority of fatal overdoses.
In response to the increase in drug overdoses, the CDC has provided the following strategies for medical staff and others to reduce deaths.
- Increase access to care, including the treatment of mental health and drug use disorders and support services.
- Increase access to programs that prevent overdose.
- Increase the distribution of and access to naloxone, especially for bystanders who may reverse an overdose of opioids.
- Reduce the use of high-risk drugs by improving prescription practices, preventing the onset of drug use, and addressing the use of multiple drugs.