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January 2, 2021
The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Coroner’s Office reported a record number of drug overdose deaths in 2020, according to the Paso Robles Daily News.
In the past year, at least 57 people have died of drug overdoses in SLO County, and possibly more. The coroner is currently investigating 19 more deaths as possible overdoses, which could bring the total number of overdose deaths to 76.
In recent years, SLO County has noted an increase in drug overdoses with 41 in 2017, 44 in 2018 and 53 in 2019.
Locally and nationwide, opiates such as heroin and fentanyl are responsible for the majority of fatal overdoses.
In response to the surge in 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 addiction treatment and support services.
- Increase access to programs aimed at preventing overdoses.
- Increase the distribution and access to naloxone, particularly for bystanders who may be able to reverse an opioid overdose.
- Reduce the use of high-risk drugs by improving prescribing practices, preventing the onset of drug use, and addressing the use of multiple drugs.
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