Overdose deaths spike in Allegheny County amid pandemic's isolation

Jun. 4—Overdose deaths in Allegheny County rose 22% in 2020, an increase likely spurred by the stress and isolation wrought by the covid-19 pandemic, officials said.

Across the county, 689 people were victims of fatal overdoses, a majority of which had some amount of fentanyl in their systems: 77%.

Overdose deaths in Allegheny County peaked in 2017 at 737. A sharp drop of 41% followed in 2018, due in part to the widespread availability of the overdose-reversing drug naloxone and a strong push to get it into the hands of first responders and everyday citizens.

The Allegheny County medical examiner, Dr. Karl Williams, noted that overdose fatalities are creeping back toward that 2017 high.

"A particularly troubling trend is the increasing appearance of methamphetamine and newer synthetic analogues of fentanyl and the benzodiazepine group of agents," he said.

In 2020, methamphetamine was found in about 59 overdose victims — about 8.6%. That's up from 5.4% in 2019. In 2018, meth was not among the top 10 most frequently identified drugs among overdose fatalities.

Erin Dalton, director of county human services, called the increase disheartening.

"Especially concerning is the disproportionately high rate of overdose deaths in our Black community and the continued effects of fentanyl on our region," she said. "The impact of the pandemic on social isolation and ability to seek and provide safe treatment can be felt in these latest data."

Though 75% of overdose fatalities involved white residents, Black residents were disproportionately affected. They made up 22% of overdose victims but represent only about 13% of Allegheny County's population.

The difference in overdose rates between white and Black residents also paints a stark picture: for Black residents, there were just over 95 overdose deaths per 100,000 residents. Among white residents, there were just under 52 overdose deaths per 100,000.

Westmoreland County also recorded a slight uptick in overdose deaths after two years of decreases.

County coroner statistics show that 102 people died of a drug overdose last year and 19 more cases are suspected.

That would make for a 5% increase over 2019's figures if those 19 suspected cases are confirmed through toxicology.

Officials statewide have warned of a likely increase in overdose deaths amid nearly a year of shutdowns, restrictions and forced isolation.

"The uncertain, stressful and isolating nature of the pandemic has caused some people to use substances more frequently or to experience a recurrence of use," Jennifer Smith, secretary of the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, said in late April.

At that point, officials had tallied 4,880 overdose deaths in Pennsylvania, though they noted that that number would likely rise, as finalized death records can often be delayed by up to six months.

As covid-19 spread across Pennsylvania and the rest of the country, the mitigation measures meant to protect people from the virus were also a detriment to individuals suffering from addiction or in recovery.

Recovery, based on community and support systems, was turned on its head. In-person meetings and in-person group treatment facilities were put on pause, forcing the recovery community to try to adapt with outdoor and virtual sessions.

Expanding outreach

Allegheny County health officials also announced the creation of the Overdose Data to Action Program, which will be part of a program of the same name run by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The idea, officials said, is to expand existing monitoring of overdoses, increase prevention efforts, and create better avenues to link people with diversion programs and treatment.

The county's program received a funding boost from the CDC in 2019, and it will receive $5.2 million a year for three years.

In addition, a $403,000 grant from the National Association of City and County Health Officials will go toward working with new parents and families dealing with substance use disorder.

"Although early childhood is often portrayed as a magical time for families, in reality, for many, it is a time of significant stress," said Dr. Debra Bogen, director of the county health department.

The money will help expand the county's existing Hello Baby program, which connects parents of newborns or young children to social services.

"Specifically," Bogen said, "this funding will support identification of and provide evidence-based services to families impacted by substance misuse to reduce adverse childhood experiences that children and families experience."

Megan Guza is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Megan at 412-380-8519, mguza@triblive.com or via Twitter .