The State Child Death Review Board this week reported that Kansas recorded an increase in the number of drug-related deaths in children age 0-17, including a rapid rise related to fentanyl.
The board’s annual report analyzes the deaths of Kansas children (birth through 17 years old) that occurred in calendar year 2020, the most recent year for which data is available. The report showed that the number of drug-related deaths rose to 16 in 2020 up from five in 2019. There were 11 fentanyl deaths in 2020, after reporting no fentanyl deaths in the previous four years.
From a national standpoint, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported nearly 500,000 people of all ages died from overdoses involving both illicit and prescribed use of opioids from 1999-2019. In recent years, both nationally and in Kansas, the data has shown an increase in the use of synthetic opioids like fentanyl. While fentanyl is a prescription drug, it is also manufactured illegally. Frequently it is incorporated into illicitly manufactured pressed pills and mixed with other substances without the knowledge of the end user.
If someone needs help with substance abuse, they may call the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration national hotline at 1-800-662-4357 for confidential free help from public health agencies to find free substance use treatment and information.
