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Ohio, like much of the America, is struggling to combat a number of particular issues within the healthcare arena. Here are 3 healthcare epidemics that are currently on the rise in Ohio.
- Prescription medication abuse
Over the last few years, the number of people struggling with addiction to prescription drugs such as antidepressants or painkillers has skyrocketed and Ohio is no exception. Drugs such as vicodin, or oxycontin have been prescribed in record numbers leading to a spike in the number of people developing addictions to these drugs. These drugs often act as gateways to hard drugs and this has been one of the causes of Ohio’s serious opioid problem. But steps are now being taken to combat this issue.
On the 30th March 2017, Ohio Gov. John Kasich announced plans to limit prescriptions of narcotic painkillers to 7 days, down from 30 or even 90 days under the old law. This law will apply to doctors, dentists, or prescribing nurses. It is hoped that this step will help curb the epidemic of prescription drug abuse in Ohio.
- Diabetes
According to the Center for Disease Control (‘CDC’), Ohio is ranked 5th in state rankings for levels of diabetes in 2016. Last year, in the Greater Cincinnati area alone there were almost 300,000 people diagnosed with diabetes and in Ohio alone there are currently 850,000 people living with diabetes. This figure is set to rise year on year. With causal factors linked to obesity and lifestyle, diabetes is costing the Ohio people billions of dollars a year in missed work and health care fees. There are however, a number of charities currently working on education and lifestyle programs aimed at tackling the causes of this epidemic.
- Heroin
Perhaps the most serious issue facing police, law makers, and healthcare workers in Ohio is the use of heroin. Figures released in November 2016 showed that Ohio led the United States in opioid overdoses. In 2014 there were 2016 fatalities due to heroin overdoses. In 2015, this figure had risen to 3050, the highest in the USA. And sadly, this epidemic shows no signs of slowing down, with figures for 2017, already showing around a 20% increase in the number of deaths since last year. As the number of deaths from prescription medications have leveled out thanks to a concerted effort by the state, they have been met by an increase in the number of people using hard drugs such as heroin or fentanyl. The problem has gotten so bad that in March 2017, the New York Times reported that the number of deaths from drug use in Ohio was so high that cold storage trailers were being brought in to be used as morgues.
But thankfully there are organizations out there that are looking to help try and reduce these shocking statistics. Organizations such as Ohio Drug and Alcohol Rehab Centers are there to offer help to recovering addicts. With centers located throughout Ohio, they can offer sanctuary from the torment of addiction and provide help and support to those affected by addiction. You can find out more on their website here.
I keep reading that Heroin is such a horrible problem in many cities. I am glad there are organizations trying to help drug addicts.