THE SUBSTANCE USE AND OVERDOSE EPIDEMIC: A PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS

Substance use disorders (SUD), particularly opioid use disorder (OUD), are rising rapidly across St. Louis County and the broader St. Louis metropolitan area. During the COVID-19 pandemic, overdose deaths increased sharply. As the substance use epidemic continues to evolve and change, so too does the response by the Saint Louis County Department of Public Health (DPH). This action plan outlines St. Louis County’s continued commitment to fighting the substance use and overdose epidemic, as well as elevating the work of our community partners in meeting the needs of our constituents living with substance use disorder and those affected by drug overdose.