The Arizona Department of Health Services just released a set of data that shows in 2016, there were 790 opioid-related deaths across the state. This calculates to an average of more than two deaths per day.
The opium trend has seen a nationwide increase in recent years. The New York Times reported a 39% increase in American heroin deaths between 2012 and 2013. In the state of Arizona, the opium market has seen a distressing increase of 74% in the four years.
Out of concern over where this all can lead, Governor Doug Ducey signed an emergency declaration on June 5th, 2017 to address the issue. This declaration directs the Arizona Department of Health Services to quickly make a response to the growing epidemic.
“As the number of opioid overdoses and deaths increase at an alarming rate, we must take action. It’s time to call this what it is – an emergency,” proclaimed Governor Ducey. “Most of us know someone impacted by substance abuse – our family, our friends, our neighbors. Our hearts ache for them, but that isn’t enough. We must do more. I’m declaring a statewide health emergency because we need to know more about the epidemic, including enhanced data that illustrates when and where these overdoses occur so that we can develop real, targeted solutions.”
Stonewall Institute Treatment Center understands the Governor’s concern and the necessity of a statewide emergency. Being that we’re a facility aimed to care for those looking to come off these sort of substances, we assure that we are going to do all in our power to help with this epidemic.
“The only way we will be able to make an impact in the opioid epidemic is to come together as a community, and this declaration helps us move forward quickly,” assured Dr. Cara Christ, director of the Arizona Department of Health Services. “We will look into improving prescription practices, addressing polydrug use, and analyzing raw data on overdose deaths that occur to see where the problem areas are and learn how we can make changes to save lives.”
This declaration will give Arizona the capability of coordinating with a variety of different public health efforts, whether statewide, local, or even private. The goal of this to allow the state to employ all its public health resources.
The idea is to prevent:
● the epidemic from spreading even further.
● more drug overdose deaths.
The declaration articulates enhanced reporting from doctors and hospitals, in terms of opioid overdoses. This declaration has been passed in a time when change is absolutely needed. If you or anyone you know has been victim to this opioid epidemic, please help us make that change.
To schedule a tour of our facility, make an appointment for an Evaluation, or just have questions about your options, call Stonewall Institute Treatment Center today: 602-535-6468 or email us at [email protected].