Overdoses in Lincoln decrease
Drugs entering Nebraska have been a long time issue. After the introduction of COVID-19, there was an increase in overdose deaths across America. Lincoln was no exception. Overdose fatalities, not including suicides, went from 22 in 2019 to 45 in 2021.
As of Aug. 27, 2024, there have been six overdose fatalities in Lincoln, Nebraska. It is likely that these death rates will only continue to pose a public health issue. Nebraska, as a whole, has not dealt with the drug crisis as poorly as other states. In 2022, Nebraska had the second lowest overdose death rate in America. The increased use of Naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, has been credited with slowing down the death rate. Two sprays of Narcan costs around $50.
Overdoses often affect low-income individuals and the price of Narcan can be difficult to afford. To address these issues, Nebraska has implemented a system where people can go to certain pharmacies and get Narcan for free. There are over a dozen pharmacies in Nebraska that provide free Narcan without a prescription. This, combined with all police having Narcan, has helped save many lives. Although Narcan is free, there are still many Nebraskans who do not know what Narcan is or where they can find it.
What can be done to stop overdoses? One preventative measure is to take leftover medications and drop them at a ‘drug take back sight.’ Sometimes family members or friends pressure their loved ones to give them unused medicines, leading to undesirable outcomes. Keeping medication stored in a safe location prevents unwanted access to the medication.
Attacking the supply of drugs is a start but it should not end there. This can be a losing battle because even if 90% of drugs are confiscated, the drug business is still profitable. Attacking the demand for drugs will be the best solution. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services provides an extensive list of ways to seek help and to overcome the challenge of substance use disorder. There is also medication available to combat the use of certain drugs, such as opioids. The fight against drugs might never come to an end but it is a battle that can not be lost.
https://journalstar.com/eedition/page-a3/page_80ac7868-d055-54e9-84f5-ffc8a46d0001.html
https://www.lincoln.ne.gov/News/2024/8/27
https://www.lincoln.ne.gov/City/Departments/Health-Department/Health-Promotion-Outreach/OD
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/sosmap/drug_poisoning_mortality/drug_poisoning.htm
By Stuart Cuateco