In a recent government meeting, officials introduced the Contra Costa County Health Atlas, a new resource aimed at providing comprehensive health data to the community. Public Health Director Dr. Ori Sevelli and County Epidemiologist Lisa Dimoz presented key findings on health trends, particularly focusing on rising mortality rates among younger populations due to drug overdoses, alcohol-related incidents, and suicides.

The presentation highlighted alarming statistics indicating that injury deaths are increasingly prevalent among younger age groups, with drug overdoses showing a significant upward trend over the past two decades. The data revealed that individuals aged 35 to 44 have experienced the sharpest increase in overdose deaths, while the 15 to 24 age group, although still lower in absolute numbers, has also seen a notable rise.

Dr. Sevelli emphasized the importance of understanding these trends through the lens of the Health Atlas, which offers over 100 indicators across various categories, including social, economic, and health outcomes. The Atlas allows for detailed analysis of health disparities by stratifying data by race and geography, enabling targeted interventions.

One of the key indicators discussed was the rising impact of fentanyl, with local rates trailing behind the state average but still showing concerning increases. The Health Atlas aims to empower community members by providing accessible data, allowing them to explore issues such as housing cost burdens, public transportation usage, and uninsured rates.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further explore these critical health issues in future discussions, underscoring the need for ongoing community engagement and data-driven strategies to address the public health crisis in Contra Costa County.