Opioid-related deaths surge in parts of Michigan during coronavirus pandemic – MLive.com

Through the first seven months of 2019, Dr. Joyce DeJong reported 95 opioid-related deaths across the 12 Michigan counties she serves as medical examiner.

During the same period this year, her office has tallied 137 such deaths -- an increase of 44 percent -- with another 22 suspected/pending cases that have yet to be finalized.

DeJong, who founded the Western Michigan University Homer Stryker School of Medicine, said she cant be certain that the coronavirus pandemic has played a role in the spike in overdose deaths, but she cant help but notice the parallel tracks they appear to be on either.

All I know is theyre happening at the same time, DeJong said. It makes me think the pandemic likely has something to do with it.

Michigan health officials say its too early to evaluate 2020 mortality data. A spokesperson for Department of Health and Human Services said they dont have statewide data yet. But they have seen a deeply concerning trend in the rising number of 911 calls related to opioid use during the pandemic.

From April to June 2020, EMS responses for overdoses in Michigan were 26% higher than the same period in 2019, according to statewide data compiled by MDHHS. Responses increased in all regions of the state and in every age demographic except for those aged 65 and older.

Andrea Taverna is Michigans senior advisor on opioid strategies. She said stress and anxiety related to COVID-19 and the coinciding economic recession could be factors in the rise in substance use.

In addition to worries over catching and spreading coronavirus, or caring for loved ones who have fallen ill, many Michiganders have had to deal with stresses associated with job loss, business closures, and overall isolation.

Its been an incredible stressful time for everyone with a lot of uncertainty, a lot of change and a lot of difficulty, Taverna said. Theres also a very severe and sudden economic recession. All that together, that acute level of stress is a huge risk factor for increasing substance use.

Michigan residents were ordered to stay home unless they were partaking in essential business or activities between March 23 and June 1. Even after the stay-home order was lifted, many have remained isolated to avoid catching or spreading the virus.

Using controlled substances alone is a huge risk factor because no one can revive you if you overdose, Taverna said. One of her theories around the increase in overdoses pertains to a riskier use of substances without supervision.

Taverna cautioned against determining statewide trends by looking at a few months of data from a handful of counties. But DeJongs data from Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Calhoun, Grand Traverse, Kalamazoo, Leelanau, Mason, Muskegon, Osceola, St. Joseph and Van Buren counties does sound alarms for the medical examiner.

With COVID, a lot of the attention has been driven away from opioid abuse, DeJong said. Were saying wait, wait, we still need help here. For whatever reason, opioid deaths are going up and if it wasnt for COVID, I dont think they would be going up.

In January and February, before the pandemic struck Michigan, DeJongs office reported 12 and 13 opiod-related deaths, respectively. The 25 total deaths was similar to the first two months of 2019.

But over the next four months, the average opioid-related deaths per month from the prior year jumped from 14.75 per month to 27.75. And thats not including any potential lag in death reporting for the latter months.

If the state as a whole is experiencing an increase in opioid-related mortality, it wouldnt be alone. According to a July 20 brief from the American Medical Association, more than 35 states have reported increases in opioid overdoses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

To combat substance use disorders and opioid use disorders, the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration announced last week that it would be providing $101.5 million in federal funding to support 116 organizations across 42 states. Many of the organizations target high-risk, rural communities.

The pandemic has created particular stresses for many Americans struggling with substance use disorders, and these HRSA awards will help strengthen prevention, treatment, and recovery services, especially in rural America, at this difficult time, said Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar in a prepared statement.

Five Michigan communities that will each receive $1 million to use over the next three years. Award recipients include the Emma L. Bixby Medical Center in Adrian, Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Luce Mackinac Health Department in Newberry, Michigan Center for Rural Health in East Lansing, and Sanilac County Health Department in Sandusky.

Opioid deaths have already been on a significant rise over the last two decades, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The number of drug and opioid-involved overdose deaths in Michigan, by category, per year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Courtesy | National Institute on Drug Abuse)

MDHHS is encouraging individuals who have or know someone with opioid use disorder to keep naloxone - a medication used to reverse effects of opioid overdoses - on hand.

Syringe Service Programs and opioid treatment centers are open for those who are seeking access to sterile supplies or treatment during the pandemic. The state department is also encouraging those who are not ready to access treatment to practice safer drug use.

Individuals can request free naloxone online from Naloxone for All, and community organizations can request free naloxone through MDHHS.

People struggling or seeking additional help can call 211, a free hotline that connects Michigan residents with health resources, or visit Michigan.gov/staywell for a list of other phone lines and resources.

COVID-19 PREVENTION TIPS

In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus.

Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible.

Use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home (door handles, faucets, countertops) and carry hand sanitizer with you when you go into places like stores.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has also issued executive orders requiring people to wear face coverings over their mouth and nose while in public indoor and crowded outdoor spaces. See an explanation of what that means here.

Additional information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

Read more on MLive:

Michigan school leaders in support of fall season say high school athletics are safer than college

Thursday, Aug. 13, coronavirus data by Michigan county: Fourth U.P. county in higher-risk category

Michigan groups get money to combat opioid crisis

Michigans opioid crisis: Billions of pills and aggressive suppliers

Link:

Opioid-related deaths surge in parts of Michigan during coronavirus pandemic - MLive.com