Outpatient Emergency Department Visits
What does this measure?
This indicator tracks the number of Outpatient Emergency Department (ED) visits related to heroin, other opioids (like fentanyl), and all opioid overdoses. The data is presented as both a total count and a rate per 100,000 residents, providing a clear picture of the scale of the opioid crisis in different New York counties and the impact on their healthcare systems.
Summary Statement
The data for 2023 and 2024 shows a persistent opioid overdose problem, with significant variation across counties. Sullivan County consistently has the highest rates of ED visits for heroin, other opioids, and all opioid-related overdoses, with a total opioid overdose rate of 85.1 per 100,000 residents in 2023 and 81.3 in 2024. This is significantly higher than the New York State average and all other listed counties. In contrast, Rockland County and Westchester County generally have the lowest rates across all categories. For example, in 2024, Rockland County's overall opioid overdose rate was 9.1 per 100,000, and Westchester's was 15.9, both well below the state average.