Overdose

Every year, employers in the U.S. lose about $42 billion in economic productivity, according to the National Safety Council. The Council of Economic Advisers, meanwhile, estimates that opioid addiction (including the value of lives lost) has cost the country $696 billion, or 3.4% of GDP.

Despite losing some $3.3 billion from March 9 through July 1 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Ohio’s hospitals are not only doubling down on finding solutions for caring for patients and putting an end to the coronavirus pandemic, but they’re partnering to stem the continued tide of opioid overdose deaths.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Like millions of Americans, Diane Urban watched the first presidential debate last month at home with her family. When it was over, she turned off the television and climbed into the bed her 25-year-old son Jordan used to sleep in.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – At least 19 people died of suspected drug overdoses over the past week in Cuyahoga County, which is on pace to record its highest total of overdose deaths in three years, according to the medical examiner’s office.

YOUNGSTOWN — As the new coronavirus began its march across the United States, Chief Tom Synan knew a “hurricane” was coming.

LIMA — Opiate overdoses were on the decline in Allen County, as federal and state funding gave way to a rapid expansion of treatment and public access to the overdose-reversal agent naloxone.

Solutions that can curb the nation’s opioid epidemic are out there – yet people are still dying.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX/WTTE) — Before the pandemic hit Central Ohio, overdose deaths were slowly rising. The Franklin County coroner said that number is skyrocketing and is worried it won’t be slowing down any time soon.