Maine Drug Death Report: January–June 2020
Published: 2020
Publication Name:
Publication URL: https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/mcspc_healthsafety/10/
Abstract:
This report, funded by the Maine Office of Attorney General, provides a summary of statistics regarding drug fatalities in Maine during January-June, 2020. Data for the report were collected at the Office of Chief Medical Examiner. A “drug death” is identified when one or more drugs are mentioned on the death certificate as a cause or significant contributing factor for the death. Total fatalities due to drugs during the first half of 2020 total 258. The first quarter of 2020 had 127 deaths, a 25% increase over 4th quarter 2019; the second quarter total was 131, a 3% increase over the 1st quarter 2020. The 2020 total is 26% higher than the previous half-year, July-December 2019, which had a total of 204. This pattern, similar to that seen in many other states, is likely due at least in part to the effects of the covid-19 pandemic: isolation, avoidance of medical services, and alterations in the illicit drug supply.This report, funded by the Maine Office of Attorney General, provides a summary of statistics regarding drug fatalities in Maine during January-June, 2020. Data for the report were collected at the Office of Chief Medical Examiner. A “drug death” is identified when one or more drugs are mentioned on the death certificate as a cause or significant contributing factor for the death. Total fatalities due to drugs during the first half of 2020 total 258. The first quarter of 2020 had 127 deaths, a 25% increase over 4th quarter 2019; the second quarter total was 131, a 3% increase over the 1st quarter 2020. The 2020 total is 26% higher than the previous half-year, July-December 2019, which had a total of 204. This pattern, similar to that seen in many other states, is likely due at least in part to the effects of the covid-19 pandemic: isolation, avoidance of medical services, and alterations in the illicit drug supply.