The opioid epidemic was already a national crisis. Covid-19 could be making things worse
Walk-in clinics and syringe exchange programs have been closed. Community support groups are meeting virtually
Thursday, May 7, 2020
Before the Covid-19 pandemic, the nation was in the throes of another public health crisis: the opioid epidemic. More than 2 million Americans struggle with opioid use disorder, and about 130 Americans on average die every day from an opioid overdose. Opioids account for a majority of drug overdose deaths, the leading cause of accidental death in the US. It's a crisis that's been a priority for officials at the federal, state and local levels for years. Now, the coronavirus has disrupted all matters of life across the country -- including efforts to combat the nation's opioid problem. As local officials report spikes in overdose calls and deaths, experts and advocates say they're concerned the coronavirus pandemic is making an already serious problem worse.
