Improving The Outlook For Opioid Overdoses In 2021

Cook County’s chief medical examiner says she anticipates a 75% increase in the number of opioid deaths in 2020 compared to the prior year.

By Bianca Martin
Virus Outbreak Addiction
Patients line up outside to pick up medication for opioid addiction at a clinic in Olympia, Wash. Ted S. Warren / ASSOCIATED PRESS
Virus Outbreak Addiction
Patients line up outside to pick up medication for opioid addiction at a clinic in Olympia, Wash. Ted S. Warren / ASSOCIATED PRESS

Improving The Outlook For Opioid Overdoses In 2021

Cook County’s chief medical examiner says she anticipates a 75% increase in the number of opioid deaths in 2020 compared to the prior year.

By Bianca Martin
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Cook County had its highest ever number of fatal opioid overdoses in 2020.

Reset brings on two county health officials and a national drug policy expert to unpack the possible contributing factors and offer potential solutions to the overdose crisis in 2021.

GUESTS: Dr. Ponni Arunkumar, chief medical examiner of Cook County

Dr. Steven Aks, chief of toxicology for Cook County Health; emergency room physician at John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital

Sheila Vakharia, deputy director of the Department of Research and Academic Engagement for the Drug Policy Alliance