The Florida Medical Examiners have released their report on drug-related deaths for the first half of 2015. The report revealed that the First District, which encompasses most of Northwest Florida, had a 34 percent increase in drug-related deaths, particularly in heroin- and fentanyl-related deaths that more than doubled when compared to the first of half of 2014.
The State of Florida’s Bureau of Vital Statistics reported 100,189 deaths occurred in Florida during the first six months of 2015. Of the cases seen by the state’s medical examiners, toxicology results determined that the drugs were present at the time of death in 4,682 cases. Total drug-related deaths increased statewide by 13.9 percent (570 more) when compared with the first half of 2014.
The Panhandle saw fentanyl-related deaths jump from 3 to 11, 267-percent increase. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid analgesic (pain killer) supplied in transdermal patches and also available for oral, nasal, intravenous and spinal administration. Statewide, occurrences of fentanyl increased by 97.5 percent (196 more) and deaths caused by fentanyl increased by 105.0 percent (148 more) compared with the first half of 2014.
Heroin-related deaths went from 6 in the first six months of 2014 to 13 for the same period in 2015 – 116 percent. Statewide, occurrences of heroin increased by 107.9 percent (178 more) and deaths caused by heroin increased by 114.8 percent (171 more) compared with the first half of 2014; 94 percent of all heroin occurrences were in accidental deaths.
All drug-related deaths were up for our area, except for Diazepam (Valium) that was down by 40 percent.
Here is the chart for the drug-related deaths for the First District:
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