Indicator Gauge Icon Legend
Legend Colors
Red is bad, green is good, blue is not statistically different/neutral.
Compared to Distribution
the value is in the best half of communities.
the value is in the 2nd worst quarter of communities.
the value is in the worst quarter of communities.
Compared to Target
meets target;
does not meet target.
Compared to a Single Value
lower than the comparison value;
higher than the comparison value;
not statistically different from comparison value.
Trend
non-significant change over time;
significant change over time;
no change over time.
Compared to Prior Value
higher than the previous measurement period;
lower than the previous measurement period;
no statistically different change from previous measurement period.
Significantly better than the overall value
Significantly worse than the overall value
No significant difference with the overall value
No data on significance available
Age-Adjusted Death Rate due to Heroin Overdose
This indicator is archived and is no longer being updated. Click to learn more
Why is this important?
Heroin is an illegal, highly addictive opioid drug that affects the central nervous system and has a high potential for abuse. Chronic heroin use results in many damaging effects including physical dependence, tolerance, and deterioration of the brain's white matter. Heroin use during pregnancy can result in poor birth outcomes or spontaneous abortions.
Heroin use has been increasing in recent years among men and women, most age groups, and all income levels. As heroin use has increased, so have deaths due to heroin overdose: since 2010, heroin-related overdose deaths have more than tripled. A history of prescription opioid abuse is the strongest risk factor for beginning heroin use. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Opioid abuse is a serious public health issue, but preventive actions, treatment for addiction, and proper response to overdoses can help.
The Healthy People 2030 national health target is to reduce overdose deaths involving heroin to 4.2 deaths per 100,000 population.Measurement period: 2019
Maintained by: Conduent Healthy Communities Institute
Last update: March 2021
Graph Selections
Data Source
- California Opioid Overdose Surveillance Dashboard
Maintained By: Conduent Healthy Communities Institute (Methodology)
Filed under: Health / Alcohol & Drug Use, Health / Mortality Data, Health Outcomes