Opioid-related deaths increased among less-educated whites following stay-at-home orders - HSC News

Many communities were already struggling to combat the ongoing opioid epidemic when the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the country in the spring of 2020. (Illustration/iStock)

Opioid-related deaths increased among less-educated whites following stay-at-home orders

A new study led by researchers at the USC Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics and the L.A. County Medical Examiner-Coroner’s Office investigates whether the stay-at-home orders impacted opioid-related fatal overdoses.

The researchers found stay-at-home orders implemented in Los Angeles County during March and April of 2020 were associated with increased opioid-related deaths among whites, while opioid-related deaths among Black, Asian and Hispanic individuals decreased.

To continue reading this story, click here.

September 17th, 2021|Announcements, COVID-19|