DC Opioid Deaths Increased in 2019

Being a physician in the District in the 21st century means being on the front line of the most pressing public health issues in the world. In our small geographic boundaries, physicians help address issue found in every state all in one area. The issues are too lengthy to list on one webpage but physicians are on the front lines of addressing health issues for all District residents.

News, Statements, and Testimony on Health Equity Issues

25th Council session information coming soon.

DC Opioid Deaths Increased in 2019

Feb 1, 2020, 16:57 PM by Robert Hay

DC likely will see a dramatic increase in opioid-related deaths in 2019, according to the CDC.

While final data is just becoming available, the District is estimated to see a 24% increase in deaths from opioid use in 2019, according to reports. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released nationwide data this week for 2018 and most of 2019 and projections show a sharp increase in the District.

While many states are beginning to see a small decline in opioid-related deaths due to prescription reforms, the District and cities like Baltimore are showing an uptick due to numerous factors. A major factor is the presence of fentanyl especially in heroin laced with the opioid. The District saw 281 fatal overdoses in 2017, then saw a decline, but could again be seeing an upswing. The projected number of deaths for last year is 260.

The upward trend comes amidst implementation of the Mayor's Live.Long.DC plan to address the major reasons for substance use disorder. MSDC applauded the plan's reduction in the use of prior authorization in Medicaid plans for OUD treatments but provisional data suggests numerous other factors are driving the death rate higher.

The report also comes at the beginning of the Council's budget process. With the Council currently undergoing executive department performance reviews then budget allocations, the opioid crisis undoubtedly will come up in budget discussions. At the Committee on Health hearing on January 31 for the Mayor's Commission for Healthcare Systems Transformation, CM Vince Gray noted the numbers represent a "trend moving in the wrong direction".

MSDC and its members remain committed to working with the District government and private stakeholders to reduce the number of opioid deaths and addictions in the District.

Sample of Health Equity Legislation MSDC Tracked

Student Access to Treatment Amendment Act (B23-467)

What does it say? The bill allows for the administration of medicinal marijuana in schools as well as allows students to bring sunscreen to schools and apply it without a prescription.

MSDC position: MSDC supports the language permitting sunscreen application in schools

Current status: A win for DC physicians and public health! The legislation passed the Council in February and was signed by the Mayor. Previous temporary and emergency legislation permitted students to use sunscreen at schools this school year already.

Electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment Registry Amendment Act (B23-261)

What does it say? The bill requires DC Health to establish an electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment registry (eMOST).

MSDC position: MSDC supports this legislation to more easily allow patients to make their treatment orders known.

Current status: A win for the physician community and our patients! The Council passed the bill in December and the Mayor signed it into law on January 16, 2020.

Healthy Beverage Choices Amendment Act (B23-495)

What does it say? The bill would implement a 1.5 cent per ounce tax on the distribution of "sugary" beverages. The money collected from the tax would establish a Healthy People, Healthy Places Open Spaces Grant Program.

MSDC position: MSDC sent a letter to Council Chair Mendelson asking for a hearing to discuss all of the issues around a beverage tax.

Current status: The bill was introduced October 8, 2019 and referred to the Committee on Business and Economic Development and the Committee of the Whole.