Development and Use of a New Opioid Overdose Surveillance System, 2016.

Rhode Island is experiencing an epidemic of overdose deaths.1,2,4 Overdose deaths have occurred from illicit drugs, prescription medications, and combinations of both.2,3 Since 2011, overdose deaths have increased by almost one third. 3 At least 329 people died of drug overdoses in 2016, up 13 percent from 2015. 3 This public health crisis has affected the lives of men, women, and children, from all walks of life, and from communities all over the state. The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) in conjunction with lawmakers and stakeholders in the overdose epidemic have taken measures to improve surveillance of this problem. In April 2014, RIDOH passed emergency regulations that require all hospitals and emergency departments to report cases of opioid overdose within forty-eight (48) hours to RIDOH.4 In October 2014, the legislation became final. Hospitals and emergency departments were first asked to fax reports to RIDOH.4 In October 2015, RIDOH transitioned to an electronic reporting system.5 The development of the Opioid Overdose Reporting System was a recommendation made by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) staff during a site visit to RIDOH. The intent of the Opioid Overdose Reporting System is to identify clusters of overdoses in near real time to target interventions in high-risk areas and to vulnerable populations.4 The development of this reporting system provided information about overdose patients so that specific risk factors could be identified and referral to counseling or other substance abuse services could be made. The information collected can be modified at any time to meet the surveillance needs of the epidemic. The availability of near real time data allows for prompt interventions and responses.