Compared to Distribution

an indicator guage with the arrow in the green the value is in the best half of communities.

an indicator guage with the arrow in the yellow the value is in the 2nd worst quarter of communities.

an indicator guage with the arrow in the red the value is in the worst quarter of communities.

Compared to Target

green circle with white tick inside it meets target; red circle with white cross inside it does not meet target.

Compared to a Single Value

green diamond with downward arrow inside it lower than the comparison value; red diamond with downward arrow inside it higher than the comparison value; blue diamond with downward arrow inside it not statistically different from comparison value.

Trend

green square outline with upward trending arrow inside it green square outline with downward trending arrow inside it non-significant change over time; green square with upward trending arrow inside it green square with downward trending arrow inside it significant change over time; blue square with equals sign no change over time.

Compared to Prior Value

green triangle with upward trending arrow inside it higher than the previous measurement period; green triangle with downward trending arrow inside it lower than the previous measurement period; blue equals sign no statistically different change from previous measurement period.

green chart bars Significantly better than the overall value

red chart bars Significantly worse than the overall value

light blue chart bars No significant difference with the overall value

gray chart bars No data on significance available

Age-Adjusted Death Rate due to Heroin Overdose

Measurement Period: 2021

This indicator shows the age-adjusted death rate per 100,000 population due to heroin overdose.

Why is this important?

Heroin is an illegal, highly addictive opioid drug that affects the central nervous system and has a high potential for abuse. Chronic heroin use results in many damaging effects including physical dependence, tolerance, and deterioration of the brain's white matter. Heroin use during pregnancy can result in poor birth outcomes or spontaneous abortions.

Heroin use has been increasing in recent years among men and women, most age groups, and all income levels. As heroin use has increased, so have deaths due to heroin overdose: since 2010, heroin-related overdose deaths have more than tripled. A history of prescription opioid abuse is the strongest risk factor for beginning heroin use. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Opioid abuse is a serious public health issue, but preventive actions, treatment for addiction, and proper response to overdoses can help.

The Healthy People 2030 national health target is to reduce overdose deaths involving heroin to 4.2 deaths per 100,000 population.

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