January 2, 2021
The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff-Coroner Office reported a record number of drug overdose deaths in 2020, according to Paso Robles Daily News.
During the past year, at least 57 people have died from a drug overdose in SLO County, and probably more. The coroner is currently investigating 19 additional deaths as possible overdoses, which could increase the total number of deaths from overdoses to 76.
In recent years, SLO County has seen an increase in drug overdoses with 41 in 2017, 44 in 2018 and 53 in 2019.
Locally and across the country, opioids such as heroin and fentanyl have led to most fatal overdoses.
In response to increased drug overdoses, the CDC has provided the following strategies for medical staff and others to reduce deaths.
- Increase access to care, including mental health and treatment for substance use disorders and support services.
- Increase access to programs aimed at preventing overdose.
- Increase the distribution and access to naloxone, especially for passers-by who can reverse an opioid overdose.
- Reduce the use of high-risk medications by improving prescription practices, preventing the initiation of medication use, and addressing the use of various medications.