During the first 12 months of the COVID-19 pandemic, overall deaths of homeless people in Los Angeles County increased by 56% compared to the previous 12 months — a spike partially attributable to the virus, though drug overdoses continued to be the population’s top killer, according to a new report.
“In a civil society, it is unacceptable for any of us to not be profoundly disturbed by the shocking needs documented in this year's homeless mortality report. We must redouble our efforts to address this crisis. As part of our response, it is critical that we address the drug epidemic, particularly the rise of fentanyl on our streets.”
Overdose deaths among homeless people under age 50 doubled in the first year of the pandemic, compared to the previous year, according to the report, while overdose deaths among Latino/a homeless people jumped by 84%, compared to a 74% increase among Black homeless people and 67% among white homeless.
Methamphetamine was involved in the vast majority of deaths, at 75%, roughly the same as the previous year. But the involvement of fentanyl in overdose deaths jumped from 27% during the pre-pandemic year to 45%. “While efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 remain critically important, we must also implement effective strategies that address the other leading causes of death among this vulnerable population, most importantly the tragic continued rise in drug overdose deaths,” county Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said in a statement.
County officials said they have a series of steps planned in hopes of addressing homeless deaths, including an expansion of field-based substance abuse treatment services, increased distribution of naloxone to the homeless both on the streets and in shelters, and implementing more infectious-disease protocols in shelters and encampments.
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