Online tool to help track the opioid information in Alaska

Tracking the overdose deaths and information regarding the opioid epidemic, the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services released an Opioid Data Dashboard on Friday.

The Opioid Data Dashboard is an online tool that tacks month-to-month opioid information, such as overdose deaths by region and emergency department visits for opioid use.

Dr. Jay C. Butler, Alaska's Chief Medical Officer, said the Alaska Opioid Data Dashboard is a new tool to provide information on the statewide opioid epidemic.

"We often get questions of what is happening, how many Alaskans have died and we have really worked hard to get more timely data," said Butler.

February's data shows 60 overdose deaths in Anchorage and a total of 100 deaths statewide.

Bulter said usage of other drugs has increased. "There are increases in methamphetamine use," said Butler. We have issues like alcohol that has been with us for years that we really have to address."

Click

to view the Alaska Opioid Data Dashboard.