Accidental overdose deaths increased 22 percent in Allegheny County last year, according to data released by the the county's medical examiner and departments of Health and Human Services.
Data shows there were 689 accidental overdose deaths in Allegheny County in 2020, compared to 564 in 2019.
Erin Dalton, Allegheny County's Director of Human Services says overdose deaths were decreasing in the county after they peaked in 2016 and 2017.
Once the COVID-19 pandemic hit the area, numbers started increasing again.
"The impacts of social isolation also increases stress and could have increased use," Dalton told the News Radio KDKA Morning Show. "It was hard to get into treatment during the pandemic."
Dalton said some treatment centers accepted few new patients at the start of the pandemic. Some of those who needed help were also hesitant to seek it out over concerns of contracting COVID-19 at treatment facilities.
"The epidemic of drug overdoses continues with a steady rise towards the peak year of 2017 when the widespread availability of Narcan resulted in a significant decline," said Dr. Karl Williams, Allegheny County Chief Medical Examiner. "A particularly troubling trend is the increasing appearance of methamphetamine and newer synthetic analogues of fentanyl and the benzodiazepine group of agents."
County data shows fentanyl, heroin and cocaine were found in 91 percent of accidental overdose deaths.
For more data, visit Overdose Free PA.
Those seeking help for addiction can call PA Get Help (1-800-662-HELP) or Pathway to Care & Recovery (412) 325-7550.
