The Riverside University Health System-Public Health (RUHS-PH) was awarded a $14.5 million grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) which will allow RUHS-PD to "expand drug overdose surveillance" and bolster prevention efforts.
"This grant supports data initiatives to directly target prevention efforts, respond quickly and effectively to trends, close gaps in service and reach local populations that are disproportionately affected by the overdose epidemic plaguing our country," Kim Saruwatari, public health director, said in a Sept. 5 news release. "The funding will help improve and automate surveillance to better provide information to community organizations that support those suffering from addiction."
The CDC granted RUHS-PH $14.5 million to enhance drug overdose surveillance and strengthen prevention initiatives. It was among 40 jurisdictions nationwide selected to receive this funding, which was provided through the CDC's Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) program. The five-year grant was awarded to the health organization in August, the release reported.
As per the data from the Riverside County Overdose Dashboard, there have been more than 329 overdose fatalities reported between January to May 2023. Among the total overdoses reported this year so far, 208 were attributed to fentanyl overdose, all of which were unintentional.
Overall, a total of 317 overdose fatalities reported this year were accidental. Furthermore, in 2021, Riverside County documented the fourth-highest number of overdose cases, totaling 806 deaths. This figure increased to 877 overdose deaths in 2022, according to the dashboard data.
As reported by the CDC, the U.S. experiences nearly 300 daily fatalities linked to drug-related issues. The CDC launched the OD2A program in 2019 in an effort to stem drug overdoses and further understand the "complex and changing" factors behind the nation's drug overdose crisis.
OD2A grants aid jurisdictions in implementing prevention measures while also gathering precise, comprehensive and timely data on both nonfatal and fatal overdoses to improve program and surveillance initiatives, the CDC reported.
Individuals struggling with addiction and substance abuse can find resources for support by visiting up2riverside.org. To access mental health services in Riverside County, individuals should call the CARES line at 800-499-3008, or for more immediate help the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. Individuals can also receive 24/7, free, anonymous mental health support from a licensed mental health professional through the What's Up Safehouse by texting SHHELP to 844-204-0880. The What's Up Safehouse supports Riverside County residents with issues surrounding anxiety, substance abuse, depression, school pressure, peer pressure, LGBTQ struggles, relational issues, suicidal thoughts, bullying and more.