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In Erie, Pennsylvania, the opioid crisis has been particularly severe, reflecting broader national trends. The region has experienced a significant number of opioid-related overdoses and fatalities, exacerbated by the increasing presence of fentanyl—a potent synthetic opioid often mixed with other drugs.
In 2017, Erie County recorded 111 drug-related deaths, surpassing the 95 fatalities in 2016. These figures mark a worrying shift from heroin to fentanyl as the leading cause of overdose deaths.
The community's response includes initiatives like the Overdose Prevention Task Force, which promotes harm reduction strategies and public health interventions. Despite these efforts, the area continues to face challenges, with overdose numbers rising and the crisis showing no signs of abating.
Key Statistics on Opioid Use in Erie:
- About 75% of opioid overdose deaths in 2022 occurred in or near the victim’s residence, emphasizing the need for community-based interventions and at-home naloxone availability.
- The proportion of opioid overdose deaths among older adults (60+) has nearly doubled in recent years, highlighting the need for targeted interventions for this age group.
- In 2016, Erie County experienced 35 hospital admissions for opioid overdose per 100,000 residents, surpassing the statewide average of 31.1. This higher rate underscores the significant burden placed on local emergency departments and highlights the need for specialized protocols to address the opioid crisis.
Opioid Overdose Statistics in Erie
The number of opioid-related deaths in Erie County has risen dramatically over the past decade:
- 2012: 103 opioid-related deaths
- 2022: 177 confirmed opioid-related deaths, with over 100 additional cases pending
- This represents a 72% increase in confirmed deaths over a 10-year period, with the potential for an even higher increase once pending cases are resolved.
- Nearly one-third of opioid overdose victims in 2022 were in their 30s, highlighting the devastating impact on young adults and families in the community.
- Adults aged 40-59 are increasingly overrepresented in opioid-related deaths since 2018.
- Nearly one-third of opioid-related fatalities in 2022 were individuals in their 30s.
Demographic Data & Insights
The opioid crisis affects various demographics differently. Here are some insights for Erie County:
- Increasing proportion of deaths among 40-49 and 50-59 age groups since 2018.
- Rising overdose rates among Black individuals, doubling from 13% of total deaths in 2018 to 25% in 2021.
- Significant increase in overdoses among persons over 60 years old, nearly doubling from 13% in 2022 to 24% in 2023.
Common Opioids & Changing Trends
Fentanyl has emerged as the most prevalent and dangerous opioid in Erie County:
- In 2021, fentanyl was involved in 80% of drug-related deaths in Erie County.
- Its presence in county drug deaths has climbed from 40% in 2016 to 80% in 2021.
- Fentanyl is often mixed with other drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine, increasing the risk of overdose.
- While fentanyl has become more prevalent, heroin remains a significant threat in Erie. Heroin use often follows prescription opioid misuse and can lead to severe addiction and overdose risks.
The opioid landscape in Erie is constantly evolving, with the emergence of even more threats, such as:
- Increased presence of fentanyl analogs, which can be even more potent than fentanyl itself
- Rising concerns about stimulants laced with opioids, particularly cocaine mixed with fentanyl.
- Counterfeit prescription pills containing fentanyl pose a significant risk to unsuspecting users.
State Funds & Resource Allocation
Erie has implemented several programs to improve access to treatment:
- Law Enforcement Treatment Initiative (LETI): Allows residents to contact law enforcement for help identifying a rehab facility without the threat of arrest.
- Expedited Referrals: Erie County provides services to streamline the process of connecting individuals with appropriate treatment options.
- Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Program (COSSAP): This initiative expands resources and support for Erie residents impacted by substance abuse
Moreover, established in 2016 through Executive Order 14, the Erie County Opiate Epidemic Task Force is a critical component of the county’s response to the opioid crisis.
Key features of the Erie County Opiate Epidemic Task Force include:
- Over 500 members meet quarterly
- Peer-run model
- Advocates for increased harm reduction efforts
- Focuses on expanding access to treatment
- Utilizes effective, unique reporting of overdose data for rapid analysis
- Contact: opiatetaskforce@erie.gov
The task force’s efforts are crucial, as opioid-related deaths in Erie County have risen dramatically over the past decade. In 2012, there were 103 opioid-related deaths, while in 2022, this number increased to 177, with over 100 additional pending cases.
The Erie Police Department, in collaboration with various community partners, has also implemented the COSSAP initiative, which includes:
- Expand positive activities between police officers and youth through Erie PAL (Police Athletic League)
- Leverage existing resources for Erie residents impacted by opioids and substance abuse
- Utilize a new Civilian Crime Analyst to assess progress and monitor illicit substance use indicators
- Partner with Mercyhurst University Civic Institute to coordinate strategies with local support networks
Resource & Support Groups in Erie
- Narcotics Anonymous (NA) in Erie
- SMART Recovery in Erie
- Esper Treatment Center
- This facility provides a confidential environment for treatment and recovery support.
- Address: 25 West 18th Street, Erie, PA 16501
- Glenbeigh Erie Outpatient Center
- Provides comprehensive outpatient treatment, including MAT with medications like Suboxone and naltrexone
- Address: 4906 Richmond St, Erie, PA 16509
- Guadenzia Erie, Inc. - Crossroads
- Offers a range of treatment services, including behavioral therapies and MAT
- Address: 414 W 5th St, Erie, PA 16507
- Millcreek Community Hospital - Substance Abuse Treatment
- Specializes in MAT alongside inpatient and outpatient services for opioid use disorder
- Address: 5515 Peach St, Erie, PA 16509
- Pyramid Healthcare Erie Outpatient
- Provides MAT options like buprenorphine and naltrexone, with supportive counseling and therapy
- Address: 2409 State St Suite C, Erie, PA 16503
Frequently Asked Questions
If you do not have insurance, the cost can vary based on the prescribed dose. Patients unable to afford buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) (regardless of insurance coverage) can apply for cost-assistance. The company that makes Suboxone offers this type of program to help reduce out-of-pocket expenses. To learn more, go to: inSupport program.
You can also get discounted buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) using pharmacy coupons or cash prizes. If you go to the GoodRx website (goodrx.com), you can enter in your zip code and find coupons and discounts at your pharmacy of choice. (On average, if you use GoodRx coupons/discounts, you can slash the typical price of generic Suboxone film from $395 to $118).
Before you are prescribed buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone), you will need to undergo an initial medical evaluation so that the doctor can ensure that it is an appropriate medication for you, though this does not require an in-person visit and can be done via telehealth (with video or telephone).
Once you have completed this assessment, the doctor will send a prescription to your preferred pharmacy. So, yes! You can find a licensed buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) provider online and they can get you started on it via telehealth services without any in-person appointments.
- Buprenorphine/naloxone (Subxone) which is available in outpatient clinics (at your primary care doctor’s office or a psychiatrist’s office)
- Naloxone (Vivitrol) which is available in outpatient clinics (at your primary care doctor’s office or a psychiatrist’s office)
- Methadone, which is available only through methadone clinics
If you are interested in Buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) offered entirely through telehealth services, visit bicyclehealth.com. To get help on finding other treatment options and levels of care (such as inpatient programs, intensive outpatient programs/IOPs, residential programs, and methadone clinics), call the SAMHSA helpline at:
1-800-662-HELP (4357).