COVID-19, Opioid Overdoses, EMS Data

COVID-19

In the midst of a global pandemic, our lives have been shaken physically, financially and emotionally. People living with opioid use disorder may be at a higher risk of overdosing due to the social distancing measures during the COVID-19 period. In addition to the potential isolation, people are experiencing economic distress, and likely to have disrupted treatment services. This article (Signal of Increased Opioid Overdose during COVID-19 from Emergency Medical Services Data) shares statistically significant changes in average daily emergency medical services (EMS) overdoses before and after the Kentucky state of emergency declaration. This study evaluated changes in this data between January 14, 2020 and April 26, 2020.

Our very own Svetla Slavova and other University of Kentucky colleagues are contributors to this project.

Authors: Svetla Slavova, Peter Rock, Heather M. Bush, Dana Quesinberry, Sharon L. Walsh

Check it out at Drug and Alcohol Dependence.

Share with us, your thoughts on how COVID-19 is affecting those living with opioid use disorder.

Svetla Slavova
Biostatistician