A new report from Harris County Public Health shows a significant increase in substance-involved deaths and healthcare visits in recent years.
In 2018, there were 673 deaths related to substance use. In 2022, there were 1,177. According to the report, White, non-Hispanic youth experienced the highest rates of substance-involved healthcare visits.
Youth between 15 and 19 years old had the highest rates in comparison to younger demographics. The report states increasingly easier methods of purchasing substances that look like prescription pills through social media have been linked to the increase in fatal overdoses in teens.
Rachel Roy is a non-communicable Disease Manager at Harris County Public Health. She said fentanyl was the leading substance in deaths, followed by cocaine and methamphetamine.
"From 2018 to 2022, Harris County consistently reported higher substance-involved death (rates) than Texas overall," she said.
The county is working to lower substance use deaths with new initiatives like naloxone training. Medicines like naloxone help reverse opioid overdoses, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Ericka Brown with the Community Health and Wellness division said black, non-Hispanic community members, people experiencing homelessness, and justice-involved individuals are most affected.
"Vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected, highlighting the need for targeted interventions," she said.
Brown said the county is also working on Substance Use Education campaigns to increase community awareness and reduce the stigma around substance use disorders. Others are being paired with peer recovery specialists to support individuals in recovery.
Next year in March, Harris County Public Health will hold a webinar for the public to learn more about the report's findings. The full report can also be found online.