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FOX31 News: Discussing Colorado’s Rising Overdose Death Rate

Published: May 15, 2024 / 4:42 PM MDT

Read the article on the FOX31 Website

FOX31 News spoke with Porch Light Health’s Steve Carleton about the recent decline in the national overdose deaths in contrast with continued increases in the state of Colorado.

Video Transcription

FOX31 News

For the first time in five years, the number of drug overdose deaths dropped nationally. But here in Colorado, the number continues to rise.

FOX31 News

And take a look here. This map shows data just released by the CDC today. We’ll show you that in a moment. But it shows that the blue states showing a decrease in deaths, and Colorado, one state showing an increase. Our Kim Posey talk to prevention and treatment experts to find out what needs to be done.

Kim Posey

This is an outpatient drug treatment center in Denver. And experts here at Porch Light Health say one of the reasons that these numbers are not coming down is a lack of access to care.

FOX31 News

Porch Light Health offers addiction treatment to thousands of patients every month.

Steve Carleton

Our whole mission is providing care within 24 or 48 hours.

FOX31 News

Steve Carleton is the Chief Clinical Officer. He hopes to see the number of overdose deaths in Colorado come down.

Steve Carleton

There’s still new people experimenting, using, becoming addicted to these drugs every day.

FOX31 News

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment says it recorded 1,880 122 drug overdose deaths in 2023. The Department says Colorado saw only a slight increase in total drug overdose death rates from 2021 to 2023, part of which can be explained by the increase in the state’s population in 2023. However, the proportion of drug overdose deaths, specifically involving fentanyl, has increased from 49% in 2021 to 59% in 2023.

Steve Carleton

Just seeing a lot more synthetic type of substances show up in the drug supply.

FOX31 News

Carleton says one thing that is helping prevent more overdose deaths is that naloxone or NARCAN, the overdose reversal drug, is now available over the counter.

Steve Carleton

Educating the public on naloxone is really important and has led to lots of lives being saved. This number would be higher if it weren’t for those efforts.

FOX31 News

But he wants more people to know they can get help.

Steve Carleton

We know that only 10% of people with a substance use disorder feel comfortable going into care.

FOX31 News

Patients can get medications to help reduce cravings and withdrawals.

Steve Carleton

Getting on that medication, we know that’s the most effective form of treatment.

Kim Posey

If you are seeking treatment, you can call Porch Light Health at 866-MAT-STAT, and they can help you. Kim Posey, Two Prime News.

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