Fast Facts for July 26, 2021
The pandemic broke a tragic record.
According to the CDC 93,000 people died from a drug overdose in 2020. That’s a 30% over 2019. People aged 35 to 44 accounted for the highest number of deaths.
And yes – experts say the lockdowns and isolation only exacerbated the already growing problem of opioid addiction in this country. The states with the biggest percentage increase in overdose deaths — Vermont, Kentucky, South Carolina, West Virginia, and Louisianna.
The culprit – fentanyl. It was the cause of 60% of 2020’s ODs. But both cocaine and meth also played a role.
There’s no evidence that more Americans started using drugs last year the increase in deaths –most likely– were people who had already been struggling with addiction.
Now, this data is provisional as states continue to report their tallies to the CDC. ODs take longer to report because a lengthy investigation is usually required to make that determination. But unfortunately, these numbers may only get worse.
If you are struggling with substance abuse there are so many resources to help. You can start with findtreatment.gov you can search by your zip code. Or you can speak to someone on the phone at the national helpline. That number is 800 662 help (4357)
CDC report here.
National Help Line 800 662 HELP (4357)
PLUS
Tomorrow the January 6th commission will hold its first public hearing.
And – in case you missed it – there’s another republican on the panel.
The House Speaker appointed republican combat veteran Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Illinois). He will join fellow republican Liz Cheney and the other seven democrats. They’re tasked with getting to the bottom of what happened on January 6th.
So what are you going to see tomorrow???
It’ll be very similar to the 2014 hearings that looked into what happened in Benghazi. The panel will sit there listening and asking questions of the witnesses. Some will be there willingly – others may need to be subpoenaed.
Tomorrow’s first hearing will begin with an opening statement from the committee chair – Representative Bennie Thompson (D-Miss), followed by an opening statement by Representative Liz Cheney.
The first witnesses to testify – two capitol police officers and two metro police officers who risked their lives defending the capitol on January 6th. The committee is expected to show never before seen video footage from that day.
