Fatal Overdoses Spiked In DuPage County In 2020: Coroner

DUPAGE COUNTY, IL — DuPage County has seen an "alarming increase" in fatal overdoses in the past year, according to a report from DuPage County Coroner Richard Jorgensen. In total, there were 112 opioid overdose deaths in 2020, 17 percent more than in 2019, when there were 96 fatal opioid overdoses.

The first six months of 2020 saw 70 fatal opioid overdoses, which is 52 percent more than in the first six months of 2019. The last six months of 2020 saw 42 fatal opioid overdoses.

Of the total opioid deaths, 76 percent were male and 24 percent were female, according to Jorgensen's report. The age breakdown is as follows:

• 20 to 29: 41
• 30 to 39: 32
• 40 to 49: 18
• 50 to 59: 13
• 60 to 69: 7
• 70 to 79: 1

The coroner's office said in a statement, "A thorough investigation and review of every overdose case has been undertaken to understand the circumstances and cause of this rise in overdose deaths. Personal, demographic and toxicological information was collected and reviewed to identify trends on who and how these overdoses occurred in the hope of fostering a better understanding of the problem and identifying potential solutions both on a personal and societal level."

In May 2020, the coroner's office reported a spike in overdose deaths amid the coronavirus and Illinois's stay-at-home order. Though the report added that it was not immediately clear whether the surge in overdoses could be attributed to the coronavirus crisis, a change in makeup of the drugs or a change in drug usage.

In the May 2020 report, Jorgensen said, "If you know of people who are at high risk: known drug users, those living alone, having personal or marital difficulty, depression and recent drug rehab or treatment, please reach out and see if they need support or help. These are difficult times made worse when an individual has drug and, or mental health issues. We are all in this together and need to reach out to all of those who are vulnerable in this difficult time."

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