The Center for Disease Control and Prevention published a study outlining that prescription opioid use during pregnancy has been associated with poor outcomes for mothers and infants. Studies using administrative data have estimated that 14%–22% of women filled a prescription for opioids during pregnancy; however, data on self-reported prescription opioid use during pregnancy are limited.
Vital Signs: Prescription Opioid Pain Reliever Use During Pregnancy — 34 U.S. Jurisdictions, 2019
A recent study conducted by the Illinois Department of Human Services outlines that the number of opioid overdose deaths that have occurred thus far in 2020 are rising at an alarming rate. Due to the lag time in confirming cases of opioid overdose death, the actual size of the increase will not be known for some time. However, current information indicates that the number of opioid overdose deaths occurring in the first six months of 2020 is higher when compared to the same period last year.
Smart Alert Volume XIV Issue IV- Opioid Overdose Deaths Increase in 2020
The following article published by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, provides resources and support for those who may be struggling with various substance use disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The National Institute on Drug Abuse has put together information on the potential implications of this pandemic on those who struggle with substance use disorder. The social distancing that is required during this COVID-19 outbreak has put a strain on families impacted by addiction. Self-imposed isolation can disconnect us from the very tools that keep us resilient and strong, making us vulnerable to fear.”
Smart Alert Volume XIII Issue XX- Executive Order regarding Opioid Crisis
“Building on the state’s commitment to address the opioid crisis, Governor Pritzker signed Executive Order 2020-02 on January 27, 2020 to better address racial disparities in responding to the opioid crisis by establishing the Governor’s Opioid Overdose Prevention and Recovery Steering Committee. Illinois is also dedicating $4.1 million state dollars to expand recovery and prevention services for individuals with opioid use disorder in all corners of the state.”
Executive Order on Opioid Abuse
Some individuals on probation who have opioid use disorders (OUDs) cannot access effective, FDA-approved medications-methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone-to treat their disorders. This article shared finding from a survey of 26 Illinois probation department directors on how probation departments respond to clients with OUDs, focusing on the barriers to accessing OUD medications. The article noted that a majority of probation department leaders perceived barriers for probation client access to OUD medications including lack of medical personnel experience, cost, need for guidance on medications, and regulations prohibiting medication use. The article highlighted a need for training, interagency collaboration, and policy changes to increase access to, education on, and use of, medications for probation clients. Such efforts may result in positive outcomes such as reduced recidivism, increased quality of life, and reduced mortality.
Review the Article HERE
Opioid overdose is a national epidemic that effects individuals, families and communities. In 2016, there were more than 63,600 drug overdose deaths in the United States, according to National Center for Health Statistics.
To help find ways to prevent opioid overdose deaths it is important that we know the facts. The Statewide Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System (SUDORS) helps us understand emerging trends and factors leading up to the overdose and can be used to develop prevention approaches.
Here are the Illinois County Summary Results:
A link to the SUDORS data system was just added to our website’s Illinois Data Resources Page.
