Overdose deaths in Rhode Island increase in early months of 2020 compared to previous years

PROVIDENCE, RI (WLNE) – The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) announced on Tuesday that they’ve seen an increase in overdose deaths in 2020 so far.

More specifically, RIDOH says they saw a significant increase in accidental drug overdose deaths in the first quarter of 2020 (January, February, and March ), compared to the same period in years past.

The data for January, February, and March of 2020 are still considered “provisional” but RIDOH says they anticipate that between 93 and 95 people have died between those months.

This is a 22% increase in accidental drug overdose deaths compared to the same time period in 2019. Plus, the number of accidental overdose deaths anticipated for the first quarter would be a state record high for a quarter, according to RIDOH.

RIDOH says they’re still investigating the factors that caused the increase.

One factor they believe is the presence of lethal synthetic opioids, such as carfentanil. The number of overdoses involving more than one substance has also increased, RIDOH said in a news release.

“Illicit drugs have always been dangerous, but right now they are more deadly than ever,” said Director of Health Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH. “If you do use drugs, do not use alone, and make sure that your friends and family have naloxone available. Steps like these can save a life and give someone an opportunity to take the first step on their own personal journey of recovery. There is hope for everyone because recovery is absolutely possible for everyone.”

Dr. Alexander-Scott and Kathryn Power, the Director of the Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities, and Hospitals (BHDDH), are the co-chairs of Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo’s Overdose Prevention and Intervention Task Force.

“The COVID-19 crisis has made it more challenging for people with substance use disorder to stay connected to life-saving resources and support,” said Power. “Polysubstance use, including the use of stimulants like methamphetamine, cocaine, and crack-cocaine, are also on the rise.”

RIDOH says the task force continues to meet monthly on the second Wednesday of each month and Zoom meetings are open to the public. Also, task Force work groups meet virtually on a monthly basis and always welcome new volunteers.

RIDOH Accidental Drug Overdose Data

Accidental Overdose Deaths in Quarter One

2020 – 93 to 95 (provisional)

2019 – 77

2018 – 66

2017 – 89

2016 – 87

2015 – 81

2014 – 79

Total Accidental Overdose Deaths

2020 – 129 *

2019 – 308

2018 – 314

2017 – 324

2016 – 336

2015 – 290

2014 – 240

RIDOH says the above  data from Jan. 1 to March 31, should be finalized in the coming weeks, as toxicology results are still pending for some March cases.

* Because of the time lag in confirming drug overdose deaths, this number should not be used to do to-date comparisons.

How people can get help (Credit: RIDOH): 

• BH Link, Rhode Island’s 24/7 behavioral health hotline, 401-414-LINK, connects callers to trained professionals who can provide confidential counseling, referrals, and support services.
• People can go to BH Link’s drop-in center in-person to get connected to support at 975 Waterman Avenue in East Providence.
• People who are experiencing opioid withdrawal can connect with a healthcare provider over the phone by calling Rhode Island’s Buprenorphine Hotline,401-606-5456. Callers can learn about Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) options and make a plan for continued treatment and recovery support through a Rhode Island Center of Excellence. Rhode Island Centers of Excellences are specialty centers that use evidence-based practices and provide treatment and the coordination of care to individuals with moderate to severe opioid use disorder.
• Fire stations in Providence, Newport, and Woonsocket are “Safe Stations.” This means that they are open every day to help people in crisis get connected to a peer recovery support specialist and treatment and recovery support services.
• More information about drug overdose prevention is available at preventoverdoseri.org. This includes information about naloxone (sometimes called Narcan). This is a medicine that can reverse an opioid overdose. In Rhode Island, you can get naloxone at your local pharmacy without a prescription from a doctor. When you buy naloxone at a pharmacy, the pharmacist can show you how to use it.