The nationwide opioid epidemic started in the 1990s with increased opioid prescribing and opioid overdose deaths. Heroin and other synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, led to further increases beginning in 2010 (CDC, Understanding the Epidemic).
In October 2017, HHS declared the opioid crisis a national public health emergency. Drug overdoses have been increasing both in Georgia and nationally since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Georgia Department of Public Health reports from 2010 to 2022, the total number of opioid-involved overdose deaths in Georgia increased by 302%. These increases were driven largely by fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid often found in drugs such as cocaine, heroin, and counterfeit pills. From 2019 to 2022, fentanyl-involved drug overdose deaths increased 308%, from 392 to 1,601.
The Opioid and Substance Misuse Response Program is responsible for responding to the opioid epidemic and other emerging issues around substance misuse. Established in 2016 with federal grant funding, the Georgia Department of Public Health’s (DPH) initiative focuses on combating the statewide opioid crisis.
In September 2019, DPH was one of the 66 recipients awarded the CDC’s Overdose Data to Action cooperative agreement. The Opioid and Substance Misuse Response Program works in close partnership with the Drug Surveillance Unit, leveraging drug overdose data to guide prevention and intervention initiatives across the state.
Additionally, the program supports and improves Georgia’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP). Tackling the complex challenges of the drug overdose crisis, it underscores the importance of an integrated, thorough, and collaborative public health strategy. Funding is directed towards statewide efforts in both monitoring and prevention.
With the new 5-year grant, the following initiatives are currently in progress
Harm Reduction
Linkages to Care
Syringe Service Programs
-
Public Health Analysts
Contact Information
