Draft report shows 2020 produced record overdose deaths in Virginia

Preliminary numbers generated by the Virginia Department of Health say 2020 was the worst year on record for drug overdoses.

The report released this month says nearly 2,300 people died from overdose—a 41 percent increase from 2019 which was already record-breaking.

Forensic epidemiologist Rosie Hobron of the State Chief Medical Examiner’s Office says every corner of the commonwealth was impacted and says the number of cases of illicit fentanyl being used was frightening. The numbers indicate 72 percent

The data is available for review by clicking here.

(IMAGE: Associated Press)