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Past Presentation

Opioid and Substance Data among American Indian and Alaska Native People | October 3rd 2024

Date of Presentation: October 3, 2024

Type: Past Presentation  

Audience: Clinical  

Program: Substance Use Disorder  

Keywords: #accidental overdose  #data  #epidemiology  #opioid epidemic  

This presentation created by Crisandra Wilkie, MPH and presented by Alexis Harris, MS reviews the data on national opioid and polysubstance use fatalities in contrast with specific data on the effects seen amond American Indian and Alaska Native persons. As of 2021 and 2022, American Indian & Alaska Native people have a higher rate of drug overdose compared to the White population and the National Average. Deaths from drug overdoses are increasing over time with a steep increase since start of COVID-19 pandemic (2020). Most overdose deaths involve opioids, synthetic opioids (specifically fentanyl) are most common although deaths involving stimulants (mostly methamphetamine) are increasing. Male AI/AN have higher rates of overdose compared to female AI/AN, but lower rates of overdose compared to the US male average (except for stimulant-related deaths, about the same as US average). Female AI/AN have higher stimulant-related overdose deaths compared to the US female average. The Midwest region has the highest rate of AI/AN overdose deaths, followed by the West and this differs from the US average where the West and Midwest have the lowest rates. National and state statistics may significantly underestimate AI/AN statistics.

Presented by:

Alexis Harris, MS

Alexis Harris is a Master of Science Biostatistician at the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board.  She is passionate about utilizing statistics to benefit public health and create a more equitable world.

Resources Provided:

Date added: October 4, 2024