Update on opioid related overdoses as of April 8, 2016

 

Department of Health and Human Services
Sherri Z. Heller
Director

4/8/2016 10:00 PM

Media Contact:

Laura McCasland    mccaslandla@saccounty.net    (916) 875-2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

  Contact: Samantha Mott
                                                                                                            Communication & Media Officer
                                     916-875-0973
Cell 916-642-5508
MottS@SacCounty.net

 

Below is the latest information available regarding the opioid-related overdoses that were reported in the Sacramento County Department of Health and Human Services news releases dated March 25th, March 29th, April 1st, April 6th and April 8th.

Question:  What is the current number of overdoses that have been reported to Public Health?
Answer:  As of this morning, no additional overdoses have been reported to Public Health since the April 6th update. The total number of opioid-related overdoses remains 48.

Question:  How many deaths are suspected of being caused by this street drug?
Answer:  As of this morning, no additional opioid-related overdose deaths have been reported to Public Health since the April 6 update. Of the 48 overdoses, the number of deaths suspected to be related remains at ten. There have been 9 deaths in Sacramento County and one death in Yolo County.

Question:  Does the lack of additional opioid-related overdoses mean the emergency is over?
Answer:  No. It is important for the public to continue to not take any prescription-type pills that are not prescribed by and obtained from one's own physician and/or pharmacy. There may still be counterfeit Norco pills on the street and the public should remain vigilant.

Question:  What is the age range for the 48 people who have overdosed?
Answer:  Age range is 16-67 years of age.

Question:  What is the gender breakdown for the 48 people who have overdosed?
Answer:  The gender breakdown is about 50/50, 50% male and 50% female.  

This will be posted on our Sacramento County Department of Health and Human Services News Release page at:  http://www.dhhs.saccounty.net/Pages/News-Releases.aspx