What’s the Opioid Picture in California’s Central Valley?

Statistics courtesy of California Overdose Surveillance Dashboard, prepared by California Department of Public Health (CDPH - Substance and Addiction Prevention Branch (SAPB). https://skylab.cdph.ca.gov/ODdash

Sacramento, Solano, and San Joaquin Counties

Opioid prescriptions in California are decreasing, thanks to a concentrated effort to fight this crisis. But a lot of work still needs to be done.

Drug-related overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in the United States. More than three out of five drug overdose deaths involve an opioid.

But the numbers don’t stop there.

In 2022, health officials tallied these opioid-related statistics:

California

  • 7,395 deaths
  • 21,316 emergency room visits
  • 13.6 million prescriptions

Sacramento County

  • 236 deaths
  • 732 emergency room visits
  • 678,727 prescriptions

Solano County

  • 71 deaths
  • 242 emergency room visits
  • 199,764 prescriptions

San Joaquin County

  • 113 deaths
  • 315 emergency room visits
  • 307,768 prescriptions

Many people who misuse opioids get them from a friend or relative — often without that person’s knowledge. By removing the risk of unused opioids in your home, you can help address the devastating opioid crisis affecting so many American families. Proper disposal of unused prescription opioids saves lives.

To find a bin near you, visit medtakebackcalifornia.org.
Read more stories about med bins in the Central Valley.