Tribal Local
Opioid Coalition
Opioid-related overdose complications among the American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) population of California
(Butte County, Mendocino County, Lake County, Sonoma County)
California continues to face a serious public health crisis, with the dynamic and rapidly changing opioid epidemic having substantial health and economic impacts. This challenge is also largely affecting the AIAN population of California. This report compares the rate of opioid-related overdose deaths, emergency department (ED) visits, and hospitalization of the AIAN population of Butte, Mendocino, Lake, Sonoma County with the overall population and the AIAN population of California.
Opioid-related overdose deaths (2021)
In 2021, the AIAN population of Butte County, Mendocino County, and Lake County had a higher rate of opioid-related overdose deaths than the overall population of California and the AIAN population of the state. The rate of opioid-related overdose deaths was higher in Sonoma County as compared to the total population of California.
Opioid-Related Overdose ED visits (2021)
In 2021, the AIAN population of Mendocino County, Lake County, Sonoma County, and Butte County had a higher rate of opioid-related overdose ED visits than the overall population of California and the AIAN population of the state.
Opioid-related overdose hospitalizations (2021)
In 2021, the AIAN population of Mendocino County and Butte County had a higher rate of opioid-related overdose hospitalizations than the overall population of California and the AIAN population of the state.
Opioid-related overdose deaths (2022)
In 2022, the AIAN population of Lake County, Mendocino County and Butte County had a higher rate of opioid-related overdose deaths than the overall population of California and the AIAN population of the state. (Note: Opioid Dashboard data for opioid related overdose deaths in 2022 is not fully updated at the time of generating report)
Opioid-related overdose ED visits (2022)
In 2022, the AIAN population of Mendocino County had a higher rate of opioid-related overdose ED visits than the overall population of California and the AIAN population of the state. (Note: Opioid Dashboard data for opioid related overdose deaths in 2022 is not fully updated at the time of generating report)
Summary
A concerning trend has been observed, revealing significantly higher rates of opioid-related overdose deaths, emergency department (ED) visits, and hospitalizations among the American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) population residing in Butte County, Mendocino County, Lake County, Sonoma County. These counties, while geographically diverse, share an alarming similarity in their disproportionately elevated opioid crisis statistics within this demographic.
This disparity is even more striking when comparing the opioid-related mortality, ED admissions, and hospitalization rates with the total population and AIAN population of California.
The data underscores the urgent need for targeted intervention and resources to address the opioid epidemic within the AIAN communities in these counties.