Ernest Drucker, PhD Professor and Director Div. of Public Health & Policy Research Dept. of Epidemiology & Social Medicine Montefiore Medical Center Albert Einstein College of Medicine 111 E. 210th Street Bronx, NY 10467 tel: 718-920-4766 fax: 718-798-6378 drucker@aecom.yu.edu Related Links Overdose Rates and Trends in 25 U.S. Cities There are significant differences in the rates and trends of overdose deaths in large American cities. For 25 cities with populations over 100,000, overdose death rates (in 1996) range from 5-83 deaths per 100,000 population. And, for the period 1988-1996, these rates changed differentially from a decline of -38% (New York City) to an increase of +340% (Kansas City). There are also significant differences in the importance of cocaine and heroin as the cause of death in each city. Larry William Campbell, MBA Chief Coroner Province of British Columbia Suite 2035-4720 Kingsway Burnaby, BC V5H 4N2 Canada tel: 604-660-7737 fax: 604-660-7766 iflyfish@direct.ca A Brief Overview of Heroin Death in British Columbia Since the early 90's, the Province of British Columbia has experienced an alarming increase in deaths related to heroin use. This presentation will review the statistical figures specifically related to the time frame from 1992 to the present. Possible explanations for the widely fluctuating figures will be given. Gary Oxman, MD, MPH (with Shelley Kowalski, PhD) Health Officer Multnomah County Health Dept. 426 SW Stark Street, 8th Floor Portland, OR 97204 tel: 503-248-3674 fax: 503-248-3676 gary.l.oxman@co.multnomah.or.us shelley.k.kowalski@co.multnomah.or.us Epidemiology of Heroin Deaths in Multnomah County, Oregon - Quantitative and Qualitative Perspectives Heroin OD deaths in Multnomah County have gradually increased from about 20 deaths per year (3/100,000) in the early 1990s to about 140 in 1999 (21/100,000). People who die from heroin OD are predominantly white (90%), male (84%) users with long drug use histories. The average age is 40; half of those who die are between 35 and 44 years old. Death typically occurs in the home of the user or a friend or associate. Interviews with active heroin users suggest that polydrug use, and periodic intentional or unintentional cessation of drug use are likely significant contributing factors for OD. Suicidal ideation, and other mental health problems are prevalent among users. Alonzo Plough, PhD, MPH Director Public Health - Seattle and King County 999 Third Ave., Suite 1200 Seattle, WA 98104-4039 tel: 206-296-1480 fax: 206-296-0166 alonzo.plough@metrokc.gov http://www.metrokc.gov/health Strategies for Seattle An epidemiological overview of heroin use in Seattle, Washington. Prevention strategies being employed in Seattle to reduce heroin usage and overdose locally will also be described. Dr. Plough was unable to attend the conference; his presentation was given by Dr. Holly Hagan (holly.hagen@metrokc.gov). Conf. Home | Agenda Previous Session | Next Session