RI Department of Health: Overdose deaths up 135%
By News Staff
The Rhode Island Department of Health’s newly-released statistics report a 135% increase in drug overdose deaths since 2012.
The numbers also show a 34% decrease in prescription drug overdose deaths since 2012, but an overall increase in total drug overdoses. In 2012, there were 182 drug overdose deaths in Rhode Island, compared to at least 257 in 2015.
RIDOH says one of the contributing factors may be increases in the accessibility of synthetic and research chemicals, like fentanyl. The number of overdose deaths related to fentanyl has increased 15-fold since 2012.
The shifts in prescription and illicit drug overdose deaths also began roughly when nationwide efforts focused on reducing the supply of prescription drugs. Rhode Island showed a 35% decrease in the number of Schedule 2 and Schedule 3 drugs prescribed between December 2011 and February 2016.
Governor Gina M. Raimondo is unveiling an action plan to address the drug overdose crisis during a meeting scheduled for Wednesday.
© WLNE-TV 2016
