‘Hidden health crisis’: Albury-Wodonga drug overdose deaths increase across region
Drug overdoses have spiked in Wodonga by 67 per cent. And experts warn the number is ‘unacceptably high’ – and only getting worse.
Albury Wodonga
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Drug overdoses have increased by 67 per cent in the Wodonga-Alpine region in the five years between 2014 and 2018, a new report has revealed.
The shocking figures are part of a “hidden health crisis”, expert warn.
According to the Penington Institute’s Annual Overdose Report , 20 people died from unintentional drug overdoses between 2014 and 2018, while there were 12 unintentional overdose deaths recorded between 2009 and 2013.
There was no increase in the number of unintentional overdose deaths in the Albury region between 2009-2013 and 2014-2018.
The number of deaths was higher in the Albury region than in Wodonga-Alpine, with 25 deaths recorded for each five year period.
Penington Institute chief executive John Ryan said something needed to be done to reduce the rate of unintentional overdose deaths across the regions.
“In the five years between 2014 and 2018, there were 25 unintentional overdose deaths in Albury. That’s an unacceptably high number – and it’s 25 too many,” Mr Ryan said.
“The data is clear: the overdose situation in Albury is not improving.”
Mr Ryan said the rate of unintentional overdose deaths in the Wodonga-Alpine region was only getting worse.
“People are suffering and dying unnecessarily and all levels of government and society are not doing enough to keep them safe,” he said.
“This is Australia’s hidden health crisis.
“By releasing this report with the most up-to-date data, we’re looking to start a conversation, bring overdose out of the shadows and ultimately reduce harms.”
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Contact Cassandra at cassandra.glover@news.com.au
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