CDC reports 30% increase in opioid overdoses

Opioid overdoses in the U.S. increased by about 30% over the course of 14 months, according to a report issued today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Data collected in 16 states across the country show some emergency rooms experienced as high as a 109% increase (Wisconsin) in overdoses between July 2016 and September 2017 while others — including Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island — reported declines.

What they're saying: “This fast-moving epidemic affects both men and women, and people of every age. It does not respect state or county lines and is still increasing in every region in the United States,” said CDC Acting Director Anne Schuchat. [How opioids impact U.S. life expectancy]