California Quick Stats
Welcome to the California Overdose Surveillance Dashboard
This Dashboard provides data on state and local level drug-related overdose outcomes for California, including deaths, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations, as well as opioid and select other drug prescription data.
Data Available
Data last updated on: 08/03/23
*Zip code level data for counties are only available starting in 2010
**Note: Quarterly 2022 data are only available for viewing in the Time Trend box on the California and county dashboards
For more information on what California is doing to address the drug overdose epidemic, visit the following CDPH sites:
DASHBOARD UPDATES
08/03/23
NEW DATA! Preliminary Full Year 2022 Death Data
Preliminary fourth quarter (October-December) 2022 mortality data are now available on the dashboard completing preliminary data for 2022. Death counts and rates for the first, second, and third quarters of 2022 have also been updated to reflect the most recent preliminary data available. These data are now available for viewing in the Geographic Distribution and Demographic Breakdown boxes in addition to the Time Trend box. Updates to pending cases may have resulted in changes to indicator counts previously published on the dashboard.
Caution: Some causes of death for 2022 may not be finalized at this time, resulting in an undercount until all pending cases are resolved. All preliminary counts and rates may change when the final file becomes available.
08/03/23
NEW DATA! Full-Year 2022 ED Data
Fourth Quarter (October-December) 2022 Emergency Department Visit data from the Department of Healthcare Access and Information (HCAI) are now available on the dashboard, completing the full-year of 2022. ED data for 2022 are now available for viewing on the Geographic Distribution and Demographic Breakdown boxes in addition to the Time Trend box.
08/03/23
NEW DATA! First and Second Quarter 2022 Hospitalization Data
First and second quarter (January - March & April - June) 2022 hospitalization trend data from the Department of Healthcare Access and Information (HCAI) are now available on the dashboard. These data are only available for viewing in the Time Trend box and are not displayed in other boxes because full-year 2022 data are not yet available.
08/03/23
NEW INDICATORS! New Hospitalization Indicators
New cannabis indicators for hospitalization data are now available!
05/22/23
NEW DATA! Preliminary Third Quarter 2022 Death Data
Preliminary third quarter (July-September) 2022 mortality trend data are now available from the Center for Health Statistics and Informatics (CHSI). These data are only available for viewing in the Time Trend box and are not displayed on other boxes or quick stats because full-year 2022 data are not yet available.
Caution: Some causes of death for 2022 may not be finalized at this time, resulting in an undercount until all pending cases are resolved. All preliminary counts and rates may change when the final file becomes available.
05/22/23
NEW DATA! Third Quarter 2022 Emergency Department (ED) Visit Data
Third quarter (July-September) 2022 ED visit trend data from the Department of Healthcare Access and Information (HCAI) are now available on the dashboard. These data are only available for viewing in the Time Trend box and are not displayed in other boxes because full-year 2022 data are not yet available.
05/22/23
UPDATED- Preliminary First and Second Quarter 2022 Death Data
Preliminary first quarter (January-March) and second quarter (April-June) 2022 mortality trend data have been updated to reflect the most recent death file available from CHSI. Previously published first-quarter counts and rates have changed due to the addition of new cases. These data are only available for viewing in the Time Trend box and are not displayed on other boxes or quick stats because full-year 2022 data are not yet available.
Caution: Some causes of death for 2022 cases may not be finalized at this time, resulting in an undercount until all pending cases are resolved. All preliminary counts and rates may change when the final file becomes available.
05/01/23
NEW DATA! Preliminary First Quarter 2022 Prescription Data
Preliminary first quarter (January-March) 2022 prescription trend data from CURES (Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System) are now available on the dashboard. These data are only available for viewing in the Time Trend box and are not displayed on other boxes or quick stats because full-year 2022 data are not yet available.
Caution: Preliminary prescription counts and rates may change when the final file becomes available.
03/13/2023
Bug Fixes - Thank you for reporting issues!
The issues with County Dashboard Time Trend comparisons and data information resource links have been resolved.
02/15/23
NEW DATA! Preliminary Second Quarter 2022 Death Data
Preliminary second quarter (April-June) 2022 mortality trend data are now available from the Center for Health Statistics and Informatics (CHSI). These data are only available for viewing in the Time Trend box and are not displayed on other boxes or quick stats because full-year 2022 data are not yet available.
Caution: Some causes of death for 2022 may not be finalized at this time, resulting in an undercount until all pending cases are resolved. All preliminary counts and rates may change when the final file becomes available.
02/15/23
UPDATED- Preliminary First Quarter 2022 Death Data
Preliminary first quarter (January-March) 2022 mortality trend data have been updated to reflect the most recent death file available from CHSI. Previously published first-quarter counts and rates have changed due to the addition of new cases. These data are only available for viewing in the Time Trend box and are not displayed on other boxes or quick stats because full-year 2022 data are not yet available.
Caution: Some causes of death for 2022 may not be finalized at this time, resulting in an undercount until all pending cases are resolved. All preliminary counts and rates may change when the final file becomes available.
01/04/23
UPDATED - Final Full-Year 2021 Death Data
Death Data for 2021 have been updated to reflect the official 2021 California Comprehensive Master Death File from CHSI (Center for Health Statistics and Informatics). Updates to pending cases and the addition of any California resident out-of-state deaths have resulted in changes to death counts and rates previously published on the dashboard. Full-year 2021 death data are available for viewing on all dashboard visualizations .
01/04/23
UPDATED - Population Data for 2021
Population Data for 2021 has been updated to use 2021 Department of Finance (DOF) P3 population projection data. Due to the updated population, rates for all 2021 indicators (deaths, ED visits, hospitalizations, and prescriptions) may have changed.
12/09/22
NEW DATA! Preliminary First Quarter 2022 Death Data
Preliminary first quarter (January-March) 2022 mortality trend data are now available. These data are only available for viewing in the Time Trend box and are not displayed on other boxes or quick stats because full-year 2022 data are not yet available.
Caution: Some causes of death for 2022 may not be finalized at this time, resulting in an undercount until all pending cases are resolved. All preliminary counts and rates may change when the final file becomes available.
12/09/22
NEW DATA! First and Second Quarter 2022 ED Visit Data
First and second quarter (January - March & April - June) 2022 Emergency Department visit trend data from the Department of Healthcare Access and Information (HCAI) are now available on the dashboard. These data are only available for viewing in the Time Trend box and are not displayed in other boxes because full-year 2022 data are not yet available.
12/09/22
NEW INDICATORS! New ED Visit Indicators
New cannabis indicators for ED visit data are now available!
10/28/22
NEW DATA! Full-Year 2021 ED Data
Fourth Quarter (October-December) 2021 Emergency Department Visit data from the Department of Healthcare Access and Information (HCAI) are now available on the dashboard, completing the full-year of 2021. ED data for 2021 are now available for viewing on the Geographic Distribution and Demographic Breakdown boxes in addition to the Time Trend box.
10/28/22
NEW DATA! Full-Year 2021 Hospitalization Data
Third and fourth quarter (July-September and October-December) 2021 Hospital discharge data from the Department of Healthcare Access and Information (HCAI) are now available on the dashboard, completing the full-year of 2021. Hospitalization data for 2021 are now available for viewing on the Geographic Distribution and Demographic Breakdown boxes in addition to the Time Trend box.
10/28/22
NOTICE OF CORRECTION – Prescription Indicator Definitions
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has discovered an error in the previously published prescription indicator definitions. Prior prescription data definitions indicated that buprenorphine is excluded from prescription indicators; however, due to how the drugs are classified, some buprenorphine products are included in these indicators. Prescription indicator definitions have been corrected to accurately reflect this inclusion.
10/28/22
NEW INDICATORS! New ED Visit & Hospitalization Indicators
New indicators for ED visit and hospitalization data are now available!
07/19/2022
NEW DATA! Preliminary Full Year 2021 Death Data
Fourth quarter (October-December) 2021 mortality data are now available on the dashboard completing data for 2021. Death counts and rates for the first, second, and third quarters of 2021 have been updated to reflect the most recent data available. These data are now available for viewing in the Geographic Distribution and Demographic Breakdown boxes in addition to the Time Trend box. Updates to pending cases may have resulted in changes to indicator counts previously published on the dashboard.
Caution: Some causes of death for 2021 may not be finalized at this time, resulting in an undercount until all pending cases are resolved. All preliminary counts and rates may change when the final file becomes available.
07/19/2022
NEW DATA! Full Year 2021 Prescription Data
Full year 2021 CURES Prescription data from DOJ are now available on the dashboard. These data are now available for viewing in the Geographic Distribution and Demographic Breakdown boxes in addition to the Time Trend box.
05/24/2022
NEW DATA! Third Quarter 2021 Death Data
Preliminary third quarter (July - September) 2021 death data, including the number of fentanyl deaths, are now available. These data are only available for viewing in the Time Trend box and are not displayed in other boxes because full-year 2021 data are not yet available.
Caution: All deaths may not be recorded for this quarter, resulting in an undercount until all 'pending' cases are resolved. All preliminary counts and rates may change when the final file becomes available.
05/24/2022
NEW DATA! Third Quarter 2021 ED Visit Data
Third-quarter (July - September) 2021 Emergency Department visit trend data from the Department of Healthcare Access and Information (HCAI), formerly the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development, are now available on the dashboard. These data are only available for viewing in the Time Trend box and are not displayed in other boxes because full-year 2021 data are not yet available.
03/24/2022
NEW DATA! First and Second Quarter 2021 Hospitalization Data
First and second quarter (January - March & April - June) 2021 Hospitalization trend data from the Department of Healthcare Access and Information (HCAI), formerly the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development, are now available on the dashboard. These data are only available for viewing in the Time Trend box and are not displayed on other boxes or quick stats because full-year 2021 data are not yet available.
03/24/2022
NEW INDICATORS! New Hospitalization Indicators
New indicators for hospitalization data are now available!
01/19/2022
NEW DATA! First and Second Quarter 2021 Emergency Visit Data
First and second quarter (January - March & April - June) 2021 Emergency Department visit trend data from the Department of Healthcare Access and Information (HCAI), formerly the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development are now available on the dashboard. These data are only available for viewing in the Time Trend box and are not displayed on other boxes or quick stats because full-year 2021 data are not yet available.
01/19/2022
NEW INDICATORS! New ED Visit Indicators
New indicators for ED visit data are now available!
01/19/2022
CORRECTED - Fourth Quarter 2020 Any Opioid-Related Emergency Visit and Hospitalization Data
Fourth quarter 2020 ED visit and hospitalization data related to any opioid overdose have been corrected to include missing synthetic opioid data due to ICD-10-CM code changes. The generic ICD-10-CM code for synthetic narcotics (T40.4X) was replaced by three more specific codes (T40.41, T40.42, T40.49) on October 1, 2020. Please visit the Data Definitions page for Any Opioid ED Visits & Hospitalizations for more details. This data definition update has changed (increased) the Q4 2020 counts and rates as well as the annual 2020 counts and rates for Any Opioid-Related, Opioid Excluding Heroin, and the Any Opioid Combined with other drugs indicators (Any Opioid and Amphetamine, Any Opioid and Benzodiazepine, and Any Opioid and Cocaine) ED visits and hospitalizations.
11/30/2021
NEW DATA! Preliminary First and Second Quarter 2021 Death Data
Preliminary first and second quarter (January - March & April - June) 2021 mortality trend data including the number of fentanyl deaths, are now available. These data are only available for viewing in the Time Trend box and are not displayed on other boxes or quick stats because full-year 2021 data are not yet available.
Caution: Not all 2021 deaths may be recorded at this time, which may result in an undercount until all cases are included and 'pending' cases are resolved. All preliminary counts and rates may change when the final file becomes available.
11/30/2021
UPDATED - Full-Year 2020 Death Data
Mortality Data for 2020 have been updated to reflect the official 2020 California Comprehensive Master Death File from CHSI (Center for Health Statistics and Informatics). Updates to pending cases and the addition of any CA resident out-of-state deaths have resulted in changes to indicator counts previously published on the dashboard. Full-year 2020 mortality data are available for viewing on all dashboard visualizations.
11/10/2021
NEW DATA! Preliminary First Quarter 2021 Prescription Data
Preliminary first quarter (January - March) 2021 prescription trend data are now available. These data are only available for viewing in the Time Trend box and are not displayed on other boxes or quick stats because full-year 2021 prescription data are not yet available. Bug Alert - There is a bug affecting all Prescriber Location and Pharmacy Location indicator CSV downloads from the Time Trend box on County dashboards. To download data for any of the affected indicators, select the radio button for 'Yes' under the 'Compare this county with another area?' (you can then toggle back to no), and then try your download again. Any additional CSV downloads by Prescriber or Pharmacy location during your session should be successful.
Caution: Prescription data for 2021 are preliminary. Not all prescriptions may be recorded at this time, rates and counts may change when prescription data are finalized.
08/17/2021
NEW DATA! Full-Year 2020 Preliminary Death Data
NEW DATA! Full-Year 2020 ED Data
08/17/2021
Bug Fixes - Thank you for reporting issues!
The issue with fentanyl death data visualizations has been resolved.
06/29/2021
NEW DATA! Preliminary Third Quarter 2020 Mortality Trend Data
Preliminary third quarter (July - September) 2020 mortality trend data including estimated number of fentanyl deaths, are now available. These data are only available for viewing in the Time Trend box and are not displayed on other boxes or quick stats because full-year 2020 data are not yet available.
Caution: Death data for 2020 are preliminary. Not all 2020 deaths may be recorded at this time, which may result in an undercount until all cases are included and 'pending' cases are resolved.
06/29/2021
CORRECTED - 2020 Prescription Data ZIP Code Rates
County ZIP Code Rates for 2020 CURES Prescription data from DOJ have been corrected. These corrected data are now available for viewing on the Geographic Distribution and Demographic Breakdown boxes in addition to the Time Trend box.
06/29/2021
UPDATED - Preliminary Second Quarter 2020 Mortality Trend Data
Preliminary first and second quarter (April - June) 2020 mortality trend data, have been updated to reflect the most recent death file available from CHSI. The updated preliminary data are only available in the Time Trend box and are not displayed on other boxes or quick stats because full-year 2020 data are not yet available.
Note: Second quarter counts, including estimated number of fentanyl deaths, may have changed due to the resolution of pending cases.
Caution: Death data for 2020 are preliminary. Not all 2020 deaths may be recorded at this time, which may result in an undercount until all cases are included and 'pending' cases are resolved.
05/25/2021
NEW DATA! Full-Year 2020 Prescription Trend Data
First quarter (January - March), second quarter (April - June), third quarter (July - September), and fourth quarter (October - December) 2020 CURES Prescription trend data from DOJ are now available on the dashboard. These data are available for viewing on the Geographic Distribution and Demographic Breakdown boxes in addition to the Time Trend box.
05/25/2021
Bug Alert - County Dashboard Time Trend Prescription Data Downloads
We have discovered a bug that is affecting data downloads from the Time Trend box related to the following indicators by Prescriber Location and Pharmacy Location (Opioid Prescriptions, MMEs, and Buprenorphine Prescriptions). Users attempting to download data for these six indicators will receive an error message. The Dashboard team is working on a solution for this issue and have identified a workaround that can be used by individuals who want to download data for any of the affected indicators. To download data for any of the affected indicators users must first select 'Yes' for the option to compare the indicator with another area: 'Compare this county with another area?' users can then toggle back to 'No' and the .csv download will be successful.
01/27/2021
NEW DATA! First, Second, and Third Quarter 2020 ED Trend Data
First quarter (January - March), second quarter (April - June), and third quarter (July - September) 2020 Emergency Department visit trend data from OSHPD are now available on the dashboard. These data are only available for viewing in the Time Trend box and are not displayed on other boxes or quick stats because full-year 2020 data are not yet available.
01/27/2021
NEW DATA! First and Second Quarter 2020 Hospitalization Trend Data
First and second quarter (January - March & April - June) 2020 Hospital discharge trend data from OSHPD are now available. These data are only available for viewing in the Time Trend box and are not displayed on other boxes or quick stats because full-year 2020 data are not yet available.
01/27/2021
Bug Fixes - Thank you for reporting issues!
The issue with missing 2019 Hispanic hospitalization data has been resolved.
12/30/2020
NEW DATA! Preliminary First and Second Quarter 2020 Mortality Trend Data
Preliminary first and second quarter (January - March & April - June) 2020 mortality trend data including estimated number of fentanyl deaths, are now available. These data are only available for viewing in the Time Trend box.
Caution: Not all 2020 deaths may be recorded at this time, which may result in an undercount until all cases are included and 'pending' cases are resolved. These preliminary data are only available in the Time Trend box and are not displayed on other boxes or quick stats because full-year 2020 data are not yet available.
12/21/2020
NEW DATA! Full-Year 2019 (CURES) Prescription Trend Data
Second quarter (April - June), third quarter (July - September), and fourth quarter (October - December) 2019 opioid prescription data from the Department of Justice (DOJ) CURES database are now available on the dashboard completing the full-year of 2019. These data are now available for viewing on the Geographic Distribution and Demographic Breakdown boxes in addition to the Time Trend box.
12/21/2020
UPDATED - Full-Year 2019 Death Data
Mortality Data for 2019 have been updated to reflect the official 2019 California Comprehensive Master Death File from CHSI (Center for Health Statistics and Informatics). Updates to pending cases in the preliminary file has resulted in changes to indicator counts, including the number of fentanyl deaths, previously published on the dashboard. Full-year 2019 mortality data are available for viewing on the Geographic Distribution and Demographic Breakdown boxes in addition to the Time Trend box.
12/21/2020
UPDATED - Population Data for 2019
Population Data for 2019 has been updated to use current CDC Wonder data. Due to the updated population, rates for some indicators may have changed. In an effort to provide the most timely data possible, the California Department of Public Health creates population estimates for the most current year (e.g., 2019) using population projection data obtained from the Department of Finance Population Estimates. These population estimates are used until the final estimates created by CDC are made available, usually in July of the following year.
08/14/2020
NEW DATA! Full-Year 2019 Morbidity (Hospitalization) Data
Third and fourth quarter (July - December) 2019 Hospital discharge trend data from OSHPD are now available on the dashboard completing the full-year of 2019. These data are now available for viewing on the Geographic Distribution and Demographic Breakdown boxes in addition to the Time Trend box.
07/16/2020
NEW DATA! Full-Year 2019 Preliminary Death Data
06/23/2020
NEW DATA! Full-Year 2019 ED Visit Data
Fourth Quarter Emergency Department Visit data are now available on the dashboard completing the full-year of 2019. ED data for 2019 are now available for viewing on the Geographic Distribution and Demographic Breakdown boxes in addition to the Time Trend box.
05/27/2020
NEW DATA! Preliminary Third Quarter 2019 Mortality Trend Data
UPDATED - Amphetamine Mortality Indicator Name
04/27/2020
NEW DATA! First & Second Quarter 2019 Hospitalization Trend Data
First and second quarter (January - June) 2019 Hospital discharge trend data from OSHPD are now available. These data are only available for viewing in the Time Trend box and are not displayed on other boxes or quick stats because full-year 2019 data are not yet available.
04/27/2020
NEW DATA! Third Quarter 2019 ED Trend Data
Third quarter (July - September) 2019 Emergency Department visit data trend data from OSHPD are now available on the dashboard. These data are only available for viewing in the Time Trend box and are not displayed on other boxes or quick stats because full-year 2019 data are not yet available.
01/16/2020
NEW INDICATORS! Cannabis ED visits & Hospitalizations
ED visit and hospitalization data for cannabis-related overdose are now available on the dashboard starting in 2016. To view cannabis data, select other drug indicators from the Select Display Options tab ( ) panel of each dashboard visualization box (Geographic Distribution, Time Trend, and Demographic Breakdown) by selecting the 'Other Drugs' radio button and select cannabis from the dropdown menu.
01/13/2020
NEW DATA! First and Second Quarter 2019 ED Trend Data
NEW DATA! First Quarter 2019 (CURES) Prescription Trend Data
01/13/2020 UPDATED - Full-Year 2018 Death Data
Mortality Data for 2018 have been updated to reflect the official 2018 California Comprehensive Master Death File from CHSI (Center for Health Statistics and Informatics). Updates to 'pending' cases in the preliminary file used previously has resulted in changes to death numbers, including number of fentanyl deaths, previously published on the dashboard.
Note: Overall 2018 trends, including estimated number of fentanyl deaths, have changed due to the resolution of pending cases.
08/14/2019
NEW DATA! Full-Year 2018 Preliminary Death Data
Preliminary fourth quarter (October-December) 2018 mortality data are now available on the dashboard completing the full-year of 2018. These data are now available for viewing on the Geographic Distribution and Demographic Breakdown boxes in addition to the Time Trend box. Caution: Not all 2018 deaths may be recorded at this time, which may result in an undercount until all cases are included and 'pending' cases are resolved.
08/14/2019
NEW DATA! Full-Year 2018 Prescription Data
Fourth quarter CURES prescription data are now available on the dashboard completing the full-year of 2018. These data are now available for viewing on the Geographic Distribution and Demographic Breakdown boxes in addition to the Time Trend box.
08/14/2019
NEW DATA! Full-Year 2018 Morbidity (Hospitalization) Data
Second and third quarter (July - December) 2018 Hospital discharge trend data from OSHPD are now available on the dashboard completing the full-year of 2018. These data are now available for viewing on the Geographic Distribution and Demographic Breakdown boxes in addition to the Time Trend box.
08/14/2019
UPDATED - Population Data for 2018
Population Data for 2018 has been updated to use current CDC Wonder data. Due to the updated population, rates for indicators may have changed. In an effort to provide the most timely data possible, the California Department of Public Health creates population estimates for the most current year (e.g., 2018) using data obtained from the Department of Finance Population Estimates. These population estimates are used until the final estimates created by CDC are made available, usually in July of the next year.
07/25/2019
NOTICE OF CORRECTION - County Age-Adjusted Rates by Ethnicity
An error has been discovered in the previously reported county race/ethnicity age-adjusted rates for morbidity and mortality indicators in the 6/18/2019 update. The issue has been corrected and no other age-adjusted rates were affected. We apologize for any inconvenience.
06/18/2019
NEW INDICATORS! Any Opioid Combined with Other Drugs Indicators
Note: Overall 2018 trends, including estimated number of fentanyl deaths, may have changed due to the resolution of pending cases. The updated preliminary data are only available in the Time Trend box and are not displayed on other boxes or quick stats because full-year 2018 data are not yet available.
06/18/2019
UPDATED - 2006-2017 Morbidity and Mortality Data
04/06/2019
New Feature! Data Publications
We are excited to announce the new Data Publications page, which can now be found in the left-hand sidebar. You will find our March 2019 data brief titled 'Patterns of Opioid-Related Overdose Deaths in California, 2011-2017' in this section.
03/26/2019
NEW DATA! Third Quarter 2018 CURES Trend Data
Third quarter (July - September ) 2018 opioid prescription data from the Department of Justice (DOJ) CURES database are available in the trend line graph and table (upper right corner box on State & County Dashboard pages).
NOTE: Data for 2018 are only available on trend line graph and corresponding table and not displayed on maps or quick stats because full-year 2018 data are not yet available.
03/26/2019
UPDATED - First and Second Quarter 2018 CURES Trend Data
Prescription counts for the first and second quarters (January-June) of 2018 have been updated using the latest available oral morphine milligram equivalent (MME) conversion factors from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This update may affect counts or rates for first and second quarters of 2018 posted previously on the Dashboard. For more information on MME conversion please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/resources/data.html
02/11/2019
NEW DATA! Third Quarter 2018 Morbidity (ED) Trend Data
Third quarter (July - September) 2018 Emergency Dept. discharge trend data from OSHPD are now available in the trend line graph and table (upper right corner box on State & County Dashboard pages).
NOTE: Data for 2018 are only available on trend line graph and corresponding table and not displayed on maps or quick stats because full-year 2018 data are not yet available.
02/11/2019
NEW DATA! Preliminary Second Quarter 2018 Mortality Trend Data
NOTE: Overall 2018 trends, including estimated number of fentanyl deaths, may have changed due to the resolution of pending cases. The updated preliminary data are now available in the trend line graph and corresponding table (upper right corner box on State & County Dashboard pages). These data are not displayed on maps or quick stats because full-year 2018 data are not yet available.
02/11/2019
NEW DATA! First & Second Quarter 2018 Morbidity (Hosp.) Trend Data
11/30/2018
NEW DATA! Second Quarter 2018 CURES Trend Data
Second quarter (April - June) 2018 opioid prescription data from the Department of Justice (DOJ) CURES database are available in the trend line graph and table (upper right corner box on State & County Dashboard pages).
NOTE: Data for 2018 are only available on trend line graph and corresponding table and not displayed on maps or quick stats because full-year 2018 data are not yet available.
11/30/2018
UPDATED - Preliminary First Quarter Mortality
Preliminary first quarter (January - March) 2018 mortality trend data, have been updated to reflect the most recent death file available from CHSI (Center for Health Statistics and Informatics). Overall trends, including estimated number of fentanyl deaths, may have changed due to the resolution of pending cases. The updated preliminary data are now available in the trend line graph and table (upper right corner box on State & County Dashboard pages).
Caution: Not all deaths may be recorded at this time, which may result in an undercount until all cases are included and 'pending' cases are resolved.
10/25/2018
NEW DATA! Second Quarter 2018 Morbidity (ED) Trend Data
Second quarter (April - June) 2018 morbidity Data - Emergency Dept. discharge trend data from OSHPD are now available in the trend line graph and table (upper right corner box on State & County Dashboard pages)
NOTE: Data for 2018 are only available on trend line graph and corresponding table and not displayed on maps or quick stats because full-year 2018 data are not yet available.
10/03/2018
UPDATED - Final Mortality Data for 2017
Mortality Data for 2017 have been updated to reflect the official 2017 California Comprehensive Master Death File from CHSI (Center for Health Statistics and Informatics). Updates to 'pending' cases in the preliminary file used previously has resulted in changes to death numbers, including number of fentanyl deaths, previously published on the dashboard.
10/03/2018
10/03/2018
UPDATED - Population Data for 2017
Population Data for 2017 has been updated to use current CDC Wonder data. In an effort to provide the most timely data possible, the California Department of Public Health creates population estimates for the most current year (e.g., 2018) using data obtained from the Department of Finance Population Estimates. These population estimates are used until the final estimates created by CDC are made available, usually in July of the next year.
10/03/2018
Bug Fixes - Thank you for reporting issues!
6/13/2018
NOTICE OF CORRECTION - Fentanyl-related Deaths
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has discovered an error in the previously reported number of 2017 fentanyl-related overdose deaths reported on the Opioid Overdose Dashboard. The correct number of fentanyl-related overdose deaths is 373, exactly one-half of the originally reported number of 746. No other indicators or years of data represented on the Dashboard are affected. There remains a substantial one-year increase in the number of fentanyl-related deaths (57% increase from 2016) which is an example of this dynamic and growing public health issue. We apologize for any inconvenience.
4/27/2018
NEW 2017 CURES Data
NEW 2017 Opioid Prescriptions data from Department of Justice (DOJ) CURES database.
4/27/2018
NEW 2017 Mortality and Morbidity Data
4/27/2018
2017 Population Data
2017 Population estimates are created using both CDC Wonder and the California Department of Finance population data because CDC Wonder doesn't have 2017 population estimates available.
3/14/2018
Updated 2016 Mortality & Morbidity Data
11/3/2017
NEW Downloadable State Snapshot Report
Under the State Dashboard link in the sidebar, you will see a new State Report button. Clicking this button will generate a downloadable snapshot report of selected dashboard indicators. The new report is based on the last 12 quarters, and will automatically update as new data is released. Please email with feedback on this new feature.
11/3/2017 County-level Data Download Function UPDATE
Downloading indicator trends over time can be found using the time-plots on the County Dashboards. When you compare a selected county with the state or another county, the comparison area will now be included in the downloadable .csv file.
11/3/2017
NEW Help Feature
In the upper right corner of the Dashboard, a new help function is available for select pages. On the home page, and State and County dashboard pages it will walk you through the various features of that page. Give it a try and take the tour!
10/11/2017
NEW Preliminary Fentanyl Overdose Indicator
A new, preliminary fentanyl overdose indicator is now available on the dashboard. Importantly, this indicator is based on a text search of death certificates and likely represents an undercount of actual fentanyl deaths in California. As a preliminary indicator , it may be subject to updates and may change as our text search algorithm continues to evolve. Please check the Data Definitions page for more details.
10/11/2017
NEW Downloadable County Snapshot Reports
Under the County Dashboard link in the sidebar, you will see a new County Report button. Clicking this button will generate a downloadable snapshot report of selected dashboard indicators. The new reports are based on the last 12 quarters, and will automatically update as new data is released. Please email with feedback on this new feature.
8/18/2017
2016 Prescription Drug Indicator UPDATE
Due to an unforseen issue, we had to update our 2016 prescription drug data released on 8/4/2017. Buprenorphine was unintentionally included in our data used to create multiple indicators. The issue primarily affected MME calculations, as buprenorphine is a strong opioid. Please review indicators to see how this update may have affected rates in your area.
8/18/2017
2016 PRELIMINARY Mortality Data Available
The dashboard now includes preliminary mortality data for 2016. Rates and counts may change when final 2016 data are released . Morbidity data is still unavailable for 2016.
8/4/2017
2016 Prescription Drug Data Available
The dashboard now includes prescription drug data for 2016.
4/21/2017
Buprenorphine Indicator Update
An an issue with our buprenorphine measure - a key indicator of MAT expansion - was brought to our attention. The indicator has subsequently been updated.
3/27/2017
********ALL NEW DATA*********
1/4/2017
New Data Exploration Tools
Two new tools have been added for exmaining indicator co-occurance at the county level. The County Bivariate Map and Bubble Plot allow for the display of multiple indicators simultaneously. You can find the new tools under the Explore link in the sidebar.
12/28/2016
Bug Fixes - Thank you for reporting issues!
11/09/2016
New Dashboard Video Tutorials Available!
The Using the Dashboard now has six videos demonstrating the basics of dashboard use, including how to customize the displays and download data. Maximize them on your screen for the best viewing experience. Each video is 3-4 minutes.
11/01/2016
California Opioid Overdose Surveillance Dashboard Version 2 is released
Changes include:
10/05/2016
2015 CURES data are now available at the state and county levels only.
The data are from CURES 2.0 and reflect unduplicated counts of patients. All CURES 1.0 data have been removed, which included zip code level prescription drug data. CURES 1.0 data included duplicated patient counts and was only available up to 2013. Zip code level prescription drug data will be available soon.
9/22/2016
Califronia Opioid Overdose Surveillance Dashboard goes live
NEW DATA! Preliminary Full Year 2022 Death Data
Preliminary fourth quarter (October-December) 2022 mortality data are now available on the dashboard completing preliminary data for 2022. Death counts and rates for the first, second, and third quarters of 2022 have also been updated to reflect the most recent preliminary data available. These data are now available for viewing in the Geographic Distribution and Demographic Breakdown boxes in addition to the Time Trend box. Updates to pending cases may have resulted in changes to indicator counts previously published on the dashboard.
Caution: Some causes of death for 2022 may not be finalized at this time, resulting in an undercount until all pending cases are resolved. All preliminary counts and rates may change when the final file becomes available.
08/03/23
NEW DATA! Full-Year 2022 ED Data
Fourth Quarter (October-December) 2022 Emergency Department Visit data from the Department of Healthcare Access and Information (HCAI) are now available on the dashboard, completing the full-year of 2022. ED data for 2022 are now available for viewing on the Geographic Distribution and Demographic Breakdown boxes in addition to the Time Trend box.
08/03/23
NEW DATA! First and Second Quarter 2022 Hospitalization Data
First and second quarter (January - March & April - June) 2022 hospitalization trend data from the Department of Healthcare Access and Information (HCAI) are now available on the dashboard. These data are only available for viewing in the Time Trend box and are not displayed in other boxes because full-year 2022 data are not yet available.
08/03/23
NEW INDICATORS! New Hospitalization Indicators
New cannabis indicators for hospitalization data are now available!
- Cannabis-Related hospitalizations, available starting Q1 2022
- Synthetic Cannabis-Related hospitalizations, available starting Q1 2022
05/22/23
NEW DATA! Preliminary Third Quarter 2022 Death Data
Preliminary third quarter (July-September) 2022 mortality trend data are now available from the Center for Health Statistics and Informatics (CHSI). These data are only available for viewing in the Time Trend box and are not displayed on other boxes or quick stats because full-year 2022 data are not yet available.
Caution: Some causes of death for 2022 may not be finalized at this time, resulting in an undercount until all pending cases are resolved. All preliminary counts and rates may change when the final file becomes available.
05/22/23
NEW DATA! Third Quarter 2022 Emergency Department (ED) Visit Data
Third quarter (July-September) 2022 ED visit trend data from the Department of Healthcare Access and Information (HCAI) are now available on the dashboard. These data are only available for viewing in the Time Trend box and are not displayed in other boxes because full-year 2022 data are not yet available.
05/22/23
UPDATED- Preliminary First and Second Quarter 2022 Death Data
Preliminary first quarter (January-March) and second quarter (April-June) 2022 mortality trend data have been updated to reflect the most recent death file available from CHSI. Previously published first-quarter counts and rates have changed due to the addition of new cases. These data are only available for viewing in the Time Trend box and are not displayed on other boxes or quick stats because full-year 2022 data are not yet available.
Caution: Some causes of death for 2022 cases may not be finalized at this time, resulting in an undercount until all pending cases are resolved. All preliminary counts and rates may change when the final file becomes available.
05/01/23
NEW DATA! Preliminary First Quarter 2022 Prescription Data
Preliminary first quarter (January-March) 2022 prescription trend data from CURES (Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System) are now available on the dashboard. These data are only available for viewing in the Time Trend box and are not displayed on other boxes or quick stats because full-year 2022 data are not yet available.
Caution: Preliminary prescription counts and rates may change when the final file becomes available.
03/13/2023
Bug Fixes - Thank you for reporting issues!
The issues with County Dashboard Time Trend comparisons and data information resource links have been resolved.
02/15/23
NEW DATA! Preliminary Second Quarter 2022 Death Data
Preliminary second quarter (April-June) 2022 mortality trend data are now available from the Center for Health Statistics and Informatics (CHSI). These data are only available for viewing in the Time Trend box and are not displayed on other boxes or quick stats because full-year 2022 data are not yet available.
Caution: Some causes of death for 2022 may not be finalized at this time, resulting in an undercount until all pending cases are resolved. All preliminary counts and rates may change when the final file becomes available.
02/15/23
UPDATED- Preliminary First Quarter 2022 Death Data
Preliminary first quarter (January-March) 2022 mortality trend data have been updated to reflect the most recent death file available from CHSI. Previously published first-quarter counts and rates have changed due to the addition of new cases. These data are only available for viewing in the Time Trend box and are not displayed on other boxes or quick stats because full-year 2022 data are not yet available.
Caution: Some causes of death for 2022 may not be finalized at this time, resulting in an undercount until all pending cases are resolved. All preliminary counts and rates may change when the final file becomes available.
01/04/23
UPDATED - Final Full-Year 2021 Death Data
Death Data for 2021 have been updated to reflect the official 2021 California Comprehensive Master Death File from CHSI (Center for Health Statistics and Informatics). Updates to pending cases and the addition of any California resident out-of-state deaths have resulted in changes to death counts and rates previously published on the dashboard. Full-year 2021 death data are available for viewing on all dashboard visualizations .
01/04/23
UPDATED - Population Data for 2021
Population Data for 2021 has been updated to use 2021 Department of Finance (DOF) P3 population projection data. Due to the updated population, rates for all 2021 indicators (deaths, ED visits, hospitalizations, and prescriptions) may have changed.
12/09/22
NEW DATA! Preliminary First Quarter 2022 Death Data
Preliminary first quarter (January-March) 2022 mortality trend data are now available. These data are only available for viewing in the Time Trend box and are not displayed on other boxes or quick stats because full-year 2022 data are not yet available.
Caution: Some causes of death for 2022 may not be finalized at this time, resulting in an undercount until all pending cases are resolved. All preliminary counts and rates may change when the final file becomes available.
12/09/22
NEW DATA! First and Second Quarter 2022 ED Visit Data
First and second quarter (January - March & April - June) 2022 Emergency Department visit trend data from the Department of Healthcare Access and Information (HCAI) are now available on the dashboard. These data are only available for viewing in the Time Trend box and are not displayed in other boxes because full-year 2022 data are not yet available.
12/09/22
NEW INDICATORS! New ED Visit Indicators
New cannabis indicators for ED visit data are now available!
- Cannabis-Related ED visits, available starting Q1 2022
- Synthetic Cannabis-Related ED visits, available starting Q1 2022
10/28/22
NEW DATA! Full-Year 2021 ED Data
Fourth Quarter (October-December) 2021 Emergency Department Visit data from the Department of Healthcare Access and Information (HCAI) are now available on the dashboard, completing the full-year of 2021. ED data for 2021 are now available for viewing on the Geographic Distribution and Demographic Breakdown boxes in addition to the Time Trend box.
10/28/22
NEW DATA! Full-Year 2021 Hospitalization Data
Third and fourth quarter (July-September and October-December) 2021 Hospital discharge data from the Department of Healthcare Access and Information (HCAI) are now available on the dashboard, completing the full-year of 2021. Hospitalization data for 2021 are now available for viewing on the Geographic Distribution and Demographic Breakdown boxes in addition to the Time Trend box.
10/28/22
NOTICE OF CORRECTION – Prescription Indicator Definitions
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has discovered an error in the previously published prescription indicator definitions. Prior prescription data definitions indicated that buprenorphine is excluded from prescription indicators; however, due to how the drugs are classified, some buprenorphine products are included in these indicators. Prescription indicator definitions have been corrected to accurately reflect this inclusion.
10/28/22
NEW INDICATORS! New ED Visit & Hospitalization Indicators
New indicators for ED visit and hospitalization data are now available!
- Prescription Opioid (excl. Fentanyl)-Related ED Visits, available starting Q1 2021
- Prescription Opioid (excl. Fentanyl)-Related hospitalizations, available starting Q1 2021
07/19/2022
NEW DATA! Preliminary Full Year 2021 Death Data
Fourth quarter (October-December) 2021 mortality data are now available on the dashboard completing data for 2021. Death counts and rates for the first, second, and third quarters of 2021 have been updated to reflect the most recent data available. These data are now available for viewing in the Geographic Distribution and Demographic Breakdown boxes in addition to the Time Trend box. Updates to pending cases may have resulted in changes to indicator counts previously published on the dashboard.
Caution: Some causes of death for 2021 may not be finalized at this time, resulting in an undercount until all pending cases are resolved. All preliminary counts and rates may change when the final file becomes available.
07/19/2022
NEW DATA! Full Year 2021 Prescription Data
Full year 2021 CURES Prescription data from DOJ are now available on the dashboard. These data are now available for viewing in the Geographic Distribution and Demographic Breakdown boxes in addition to the Time Trend box.
05/24/2022
NEW DATA! Third Quarter 2021 Death Data
Preliminary third quarter (July - September) 2021 death data, including the number of fentanyl deaths, are now available. These data are only available for viewing in the Time Trend box and are not displayed in other boxes because full-year 2021 data are not yet available.
Caution: All deaths may not be recorded for this quarter, resulting in an undercount until all 'pending' cases are resolved. All preliminary counts and rates may change when the final file becomes available.
05/24/2022
NEW DATA! Third Quarter 2021 ED Visit Data
Third-quarter (July - September) 2021 Emergency Department visit trend data from the Department of Healthcare Access and Information (HCAI), formerly the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development, are now available on the dashboard. These data are only available for viewing in the Time Trend box and are not displayed in other boxes because full-year 2021 data are not yet available.
03/24/2022
NEW DATA! First and Second Quarter 2021 Hospitalization Data
First and second quarter (January - March & April - June) 2021 Hospitalization trend data from the Department of Healthcare Access and Information (HCAI), formerly the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development, are now available on the dashboard. These data are only available for viewing in the Time Trend box and are not displayed on other boxes or quick stats because full-year 2021 data are not yet available.
03/24/2022
NEW INDICATORS! New Hospitalization Indicators
New indicators for hospitalization data are now available!
- Fentanyl-Related hospitalizations, available starting Q1 2021
- Tramadol-Related hospitalizations, available starting Q1 2021
- Other Synthetic Narcotic-Related hospitalizations, available starting Q1 2021
01/19/2022
NEW DATA! First and Second Quarter 2021 Emergency Visit Data
First and second quarter (January - March & April - June) 2021 Emergency Department visit trend data from the Department of Healthcare Access and Information (HCAI), formerly the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development are now available on the dashboard. These data are only available for viewing in the Time Trend box and are not displayed on other boxes or quick stats because full-year 2021 data are not yet available.
01/19/2022
NEW INDICATORS! New ED Visit Indicators
New indicators for ED visit data are now available!
- Fentanyl-Related ED Visits, available starting Q1 2021
- Tramadol-Related ED Visits, available starting Q1 2021
- Other Synthetic Narcotic-Related ED Visits, available starting Q1 2021
01/19/2022
CORRECTED - Fourth Quarter 2020 Any Opioid-Related Emergency Visit and Hospitalization Data
Fourth quarter 2020 ED visit and hospitalization data related to any opioid overdose have been corrected to include missing synthetic opioid data due to ICD-10-CM code changes. The generic ICD-10-CM code for synthetic narcotics (T40.4X) was replaced by three more specific codes (T40.41, T40.42, T40.49) on October 1, 2020. Please visit the Data Definitions page for Any Opioid ED Visits & Hospitalizations for more details. This data definition update has changed (increased) the Q4 2020 counts and rates as well as the annual 2020 counts and rates for Any Opioid-Related, Opioid Excluding Heroin, and the Any Opioid Combined with other drugs indicators (Any Opioid and Amphetamine, Any Opioid and Benzodiazepine, and Any Opioid and Cocaine) ED visits and hospitalizations.
11/30/2021
NEW DATA! Preliminary First and Second Quarter 2021 Death Data
Preliminary first and second quarter (January - March & April - June) 2021 mortality trend data including the number of fentanyl deaths, are now available. These data are only available for viewing in the Time Trend box and are not displayed on other boxes or quick stats because full-year 2021 data are not yet available.
Caution: Not all 2021 deaths may be recorded at this time, which may result in an undercount until all cases are included and 'pending' cases are resolved. All preliminary counts and rates may change when the final file becomes available.
11/30/2021
UPDATED - Full-Year 2020 Death Data
Mortality Data for 2020 have been updated to reflect the official 2020 California Comprehensive Master Death File from CHSI (Center for Health Statistics and Informatics). Updates to pending cases and the addition of any CA resident out-of-state deaths have resulted in changes to indicator counts previously published on the dashboard. Full-year 2020 mortality data are available for viewing on all dashboard visualizations.
11/10/2021
NEW DATA! Preliminary First Quarter 2021 Prescription Data
Preliminary first quarter (January - March) 2021 prescription trend data are now available. These data are only available for viewing in the Time Trend box and are not displayed on other boxes or quick stats because full-year 2021 prescription data are not yet available. Bug Alert - There is a bug affecting all Prescriber Location and Pharmacy Location indicator CSV downloads from the Time Trend box on County dashboards. To download data for any of the affected indicators, select the radio button for 'Yes' under the 'Compare this county with another area?' (you can then toggle back to no), and then try your download again. Any additional CSV downloads by Prescriber or Pharmacy location during your session should be successful.
Caution: Prescription data for 2021 are preliminary. Not all prescriptions may be recorded at this time, rates and counts may change when prescription data are finalized.
08/17/2021
NEW DATA! Full-Year 2020 Preliminary Death Data
- Preliminary fourth quarter (October-December) 2020 mortality data are now available on the dashboard completing the full-year of 2020. Counts and rates for first, second, and third quarter 2020 have been updated with the most recent data available. These data are now available for viewing on the Geographic Distribution and Demographic Breakdown boxes in addition to the Time Trend box. Note: All 2020 counts, including estimated number of fentanyl deaths, may have changed due to the resolution of pending cases.
NEW DATA! Full-Year 2020 ED Data
- Fourth Quarter (October-December) 2020 Emergency Department Visit data are now available on the dashboard completing the full-year of 2020. ED data for 2020 are now available for viewing on the Geographic Distribution and Demographic Breakdown boxes in addition to the Time Trend box.
- Third and fourth quarter (July-September and October-December) 2020 Hospital discharge trend data from OSHPD are now available on the dashboard completing the full-year of 2020. Hospitalization data for 2020 are now available for viewing on the Geographic Distribution and Demographic Breakdown boxes in addition to the Time Trend box.
08/17/2021
Bug Fixes - Thank you for reporting issues!
The issue with fentanyl death data visualizations has been resolved.
06/29/2021
NEW DATA! Preliminary Third Quarter 2020 Mortality Trend Data
Preliminary third quarter (July - September) 2020 mortality trend data including estimated number of fentanyl deaths, are now available. These data are only available for viewing in the Time Trend box and are not displayed on other boxes or quick stats because full-year 2020 data are not yet available.
Caution: Death data for 2020 are preliminary. Not all 2020 deaths may be recorded at this time, which may result in an undercount until all cases are included and 'pending' cases are resolved.
06/29/2021
CORRECTED - 2020 Prescription Data ZIP Code Rates
County ZIP Code Rates for 2020 CURES Prescription data from DOJ have been corrected. These corrected data are now available for viewing on the Geographic Distribution and Demographic Breakdown boxes in addition to the Time Trend box.
06/29/2021
UPDATED - Preliminary Second Quarter 2020 Mortality Trend Data
Preliminary first and second quarter (April - June) 2020 mortality trend data, have been updated to reflect the most recent death file available from CHSI. The updated preliminary data are only available in the Time Trend box and are not displayed on other boxes or quick stats because full-year 2020 data are not yet available.
Note: Second quarter counts, including estimated number of fentanyl deaths, may have changed due to the resolution of pending cases.
Caution: Death data for 2020 are preliminary. Not all 2020 deaths may be recorded at this time, which may result in an undercount until all cases are included and 'pending' cases are resolved.
05/25/2021
NEW DATA! Full-Year 2020 Prescription Trend Data
First quarter (January - March), second quarter (April - June), third quarter (July - September), and fourth quarter (October - December) 2020 CURES Prescription trend data from DOJ are now available on the dashboard. These data are available for viewing on the Geographic Distribution and Demographic Breakdown boxes in addition to the Time Trend box.
05/25/2021
Bug Alert - County Dashboard Time Trend Prescription Data Downloads
We have discovered a bug that is affecting data downloads from the Time Trend box related to the following indicators by Prescriber Location and Pharmacy Location (Opioid Prescriptions, MMEs, and Buprenorphine Prescriptions). Users attempting to download data for these six indicators will receive an error message. The Dashboard team is working on a solution for this issue and have identified a workaround that can be used by individuals who want to download data for any of the affected indicators. To download data for any of the affected indicators users must first select 'Yes' for the option to compare the indicator with another area: 'Compare this county with another area?' users can then toggle back to 'No' and the .csv download will be successful.
01/27/2021
NEW DATA! First, Second, and Third Quarter 2020 ED Trend Data
First quarter (January - March), second quarter (April - June), and third quarter (July - September) 2020 Emergency Department visit trend data from OSHPD are now available on the dashboard. These data are only available for viewing in the Time Trend box and are not displayed on other boxes or quick stats because full-year 2020 data are not yet available.
01/27/2021
NEW DATA! First and Second Quarter 2020 Hospitalization Trend Data
First and second quarter (January - March & April - June) 2020 Hospital discharge trend data from OSHPD are now available. These data are only available for viewing in the Time Trend box and are not displayed on other boxes or quick stats because full-year 2020 data are not yet available.
01/27/2021
Bug Fixes - Thank you for reporting issues!
The issue with missing 2019 Hispanic hospitalization data has been resolved.
12/30/2020
NEW DATA! Preliminary First and Second Quarter 2020 Mortality Trend Data
Preliminary first and second quarter (January - March & April - June) 2020 mortality trend data including estimated number of fentanyl deaths, are now available. These data are only available for viewing in the Time Trend box.
Caution: Not all 2020 deaths may be recorded at this time, which may result in an undercount until all cases are included and 'pending' cases are resolved. These preliminary data are only available in the Time Trend box and are not displayed on other boxes or quick stats because full-year 2020 data are not yet available.
12/21/2020
NEW DATA! Full-Year 2019 (CURES) Prescription Trend Data
Second quarter (April - June), third quarter (July - September), and fourth quarter (October - December) 2019 opioid prescription data from the Department of Justice (DOJ) CURES database are now available on the dashboard completing the full-year of 2019. These data are now available for viewing on the Geographic Distribution and Demographic Breakdown boxes in addition to the Time Trend box.
12/21/2020
UPDATED - Full-Year 2019 Death Data
Mortality Data for 2019 have been updated to reflect the official 2019 California Comprehensive Master Death File from CHSI (Center for Health Statistics and Informatics). Updates to pending cases in the preliminary file has resulted in changes to indicator counts, including the number of fentanyl deaths, previously published on the dashboard. Full-year 2019 mortality data are available for viewing on the Geographic Distribution and Demographic Breakdown boxes in addition to the Time Trend box.
12/21/2020
UPDATED - Population Data for 2019
Population Data for 2019 has been updated to use current CDC Wonder data. Due to the updated population, rates for some indicators may have changed. In an effort to provide the most timely data possible, the California Department of Public Health creates population estimates for the most current year (e.g., 2019) using population projection data obtained from the Department of Finance Population Estimates. These population estimates are used until the final estimates created by CDC are made available, usually in July of the following year.
08/14/2020
NEW DATA! Full-Year 2019 Morbidity (Hospitalization) Data
Third and fourth quarter (July - December) 2019 Hospital discharge trend data from OSHPD are now available on the dashboard completing the full-year of 2019. These data are now available for viewing on the Geographic Distribution and Demographic Breakdown boxes in addition to the Time Trend box.
07/16/2020
NEW DATA! Full-Year 2019 Preliminary Death Data
- Preliminary fourth quarter (October-December) 2019 mortality data are now available on the dashboard completing the full-year of 2019. These data are now available for viewing on the Geographic Distribution and Demographic Breakdown boxes in addition to the Time Trend box.
- Preliminary third quarter (July - September) 2019 mortality data, have been updated to reflect the most recent death file available from CHSI. These data are now available for viewing on the Geographic Distribution and Demographic Breakdown boxes in addition to the Time Trend box. Note: Overall 2019 trends, including estimated number of fentanyl deaths, may have changed due to the resolution of pending cases.
06/23/2020
NEW DATA! Full-Year 2019 ED Visit Data
Fourth Quarter Emergency Department Visit data are now available on the dashboard completing the full-year of 2019. ED data for 2019 are now available for viewing on the Geographic Distribution and Demographic Breakdown boxes in addition to the Time Trend box.
05/27/2020
NEW DATA! Preliminary Third Quarter 2019 Mortality Trend Data
- Preliminary third quarter (July - September) 2019 mortality trend data from CHSI (Center for Health Statistics and Informatics) including estimated number of fentanyl deaths, are now available. The preliminary data are only available in the Time Trend box and are not displayed on other boxes or quick stats because full-year 2019 data are not yet available.
- Preliminary first and second quarter (January - March & April - June) 2019 mortality trend data, have been updated to reflect the most recent death file available from CHSI. The updated preliminary data are only available in the Time Trend box and are not displayed on other boxes or quick stats because full-year 2019 data are not yet available. Note: Overall 2019 trends, including estimated number of fentanyl deaths, may have changed due to the resolution of pending cases.
UPDATED - Amphetamine Mortality Indicator Name
- The name for the indicator “Amphetamine-Related Overdose Deaths” has been changed to “Psychostimulant with Abuse Potential-Related Overdose Deaths” to more accurately reflect the ICD-10 mortality code used to create the indicator. The data displayed by the indicator remains the same: acute poisoning deaths involving psychostimulants with abuse potential (e.g. methamphetamine or MDMA). For information on this indicator, please visit the Data Definitions page.
- The labels for race/ethnicity have been updated to provide more descriptive information about the race/ethnicity categories used on the Dashboard. The underlying definitions for each group have not changed and all data displayed by these categories remains the same.
04/27/2020
NEW DATA! First & Second Quarter 2019 Hospitalization Trend Data
First and second quarter (January - June) 2019 Hospital discharge trend data from OSHPD are now available. These data are only available for viewing in the Time Trend box and are not displayed on other boxes or quick stats because full-year 2019 data are not yet available.
04/27/2020
NEW DATA! Third Quarter 2019 ED Trend Data
Third quarter (July - September) 2019 Emergency Department visit data trend data from OSHPD are now available on the dashboard. These data are only available for viewing in the Time Trend box and are not displayed on other boxes or quick stats because full-year 2019 data are not yet available.
01/16/2020
NEW INDICATORS! Cannabis ED visits & Hospitalizations
ED visit and hospitalization data for cannabis-related overdose are now available on the dashboard starting in 2016. To view cannabis data, select other drug indicators from the Select Display Options tab ( ) panel of each dashboard visualization box (Geographic Distribution, Time Trend, and Demographic Breakdown) by selecting the 'Other Drugs' radio button and select cannabis from the dropdown menu.
01/13/2020
NEW DATA! First and Second Quarter 2019 ED Trend Data
- First and second quarter (January - June) 2019 Emergency Department Visit data are now available on the dashboard. These data are only available for viewing in the Time Trend box.
- Preliminary first and second quarter (January - June) 2019 mortality trend data including estimated number of fentanyl deaths, are now available. These data are only available for viewing in the Time Trend box.
NEW DATA! First Quarter 2019 (CURES) Prescription Trend Data
- First quarter (January - March) 2019 opioid prescription data from the Department of Justice (DOJ) CURES database are now available. These data are only available for viewing in the Time Trend box.
01/13/2020 UPDATED - Full-Year 2018 Death Data
Mortality Data for 2018 have been updated to reflect the official 2018 California Comprehensive Master Death File from CHSI (Center for Health Statistics and Informatics). Updates to 'pending' cases in the preliminary file used previously has resulted in changes to death numbers, including number of fentanyl deaths, previously published on the dashboard.
Note: Overall 2018 trends, including estimated number of fentanyl deaths, have changed due to the resolution of pending cases.
08/14/2019
NEW DATA! Full-Year 2018 Preliminary Death Data
Preliminary fourth quarter (October-December) 2018 mortality data are now available on the dashboard completing the full-year of 2018. These data are now available for viewing on the Geographic Distribution and Demographic Breakdown boxes in addition to the Time Trend box. Caution: Not all 2018 deaths may be recorded at this time, which may result in an undercount until all cases are included and 'pending' cases are resolved.
08/14/2019
NEW DATA! Full-Year 2018 Prescription Data
Fourth quarter CURES prescription data are now available on the dashboard completing the full-year of 2018. These data are now available for viewing on the Geographic Distribution and Demographic Breakdown boxes in addition to the Time Trend box.
08/14/2019
NEW DATA! Full-Year 2018 Morbidity (Hospitalization) Data
Second and third quarter (July - December) 2018 Hospital discharge trend data from OSHPD are now available on the dashboard completing the full-year of 2018. These data are now available for viewing on the Geographic Distribution and Demographic Breakdown boxes in addition to the Time Trend box.
08/14/2019
UPDATED - Population Data for 2018
Population Data for 2018 has been updated to use current CDC Wonder data. Due to the updated population, rates for indicators may have changed. In an effort to provide the most timely data possible, the California Department of Public Health creates population estimates for the most current year (e.g., 2018) using data obtained from the Department of Finance Population Estimates. These population estimates are used until the final estimates created by CDC are made available, usually in July of the next year.
07/25/2019
NOTICE OF CORRECTION - County Age-Adjusted Rates by Ethnicity
An error has been discovered in the previously reported county race/ethnicity age-adjusted rates for morbidity and mortality indicators in the 6/18/2019 update. The issue has been corrected and no other age-adjusted rates were affected. We apologize for any inconvenience.
06/18/2019
NEW INDICATORS! Any Opioid Combined with Other Drugs Indicators
-
New any opioid combined with other drug mortality indicators are now available:
- Any Opioid and Benzodiazepines, 2006-2017
- Any Opioid and Amphetamines, 2006-2017
- Any Opioid and Cocaine, 2011-2017
-
New indicators for other drugs are now available. Dashboard users can now select other drug indicators from the settings (
) panel of each dashboard visualization box (Geographic Distribution, Time Trend, and Demographic Breakdown) by selecting the 'Other Drugs' radio button.
- Deaths related to Amphetamines and Cocaine, 2006-2017
- Hospitalizations related to Amphetamines, 2006-2017
- Hospitalizations related to Cocaine, 2011-2017
- ED Visits related to Amphetamines, 2006-2018
- ED Visits related to Cocaine, 2011-2018
- Fourth Quarter Emergency Department Visit data are now available on the dashboard completing the full-year of 2018. These data are now available for viewing on the Geographic Distribution and Demographic Breakdown boxes in addition to the Time Trend box.
- Preliminary third quarter (July - September) 2018 mortality trend data including estimated number of fentanyl deaths, are now available.
- Preliminary first and second quarter (January -June) 2018 mortality trend data, have been updated to reflect the most recent death file available.
Note: Overall 2018 trends, including estimated number of fentanyl deaths, may have changed due to the resolution of pending cases. The updated preliminary data are only available in the Time Trend box and are not displayed on other boxes or quick stats because full-year 2018 data are not yet available.
06/18/2019
UPDATED - 2006-2017 Morbidity and Mortality Data
- Morbidity and mortality data for the years 2006-2017 has been updated and in some cases, revised. Some indicator counts and rates may have changed slightly, however overall trends remain the same.
- Morbidity indicators data using ICD-10-CM coding (Fourth quarter 2018 - present) have been updated to only include initial encounter emergency department visits or hospitalizations.
04/06/2019
New Feature! Data Publications
We are excited to announce the new Data Publications page, which can now be found in the left-hand sidebar. You will find our March 2019 data brief titled 'Patterns of Opioid-Related Overdose Deaths in California, 2011-2017' in this section.
03/26/2019
NEW DATA! Third Quarter 2018 CURES Trend Data
Third quarter (July - September ) 2018 opioid prescription data from the Department of Justice (DOJ) CURES database are available in the trend line graph and table (upper right corner box on State & County Dashboard pages).
NOTE: Data for 2018 are only available on trend line graph and corresponding table and not displayed on maps or quick stats because full-year 2018 data are not yet available.
03/26/2019
UPDATED - First and Second Quarter 2018 CURES Trend Data
Prescription counts for the first and second quarters (January-June) of 2018 have been updated using the latest available oral morphine milligram equivalent (MME) conversion factors from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This update may affect counts or rates for first and second quarters of 2018 posted previously on the Dashboard. For more information on MME conversion please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/resources/data.html
02/11/2019
NEW DATA! Third Quarter 2018 Morbidity (ED) Trend Data
Third quarter (July - September) 2018 Emergency Dept. discharge trend data from OSHPD are now available in the trend line graph and table (upper right corner box on State & County Dashboard pages).
NOTE: Data for 2018 are only available on trend line graph and corresponding table and not displayed on maps or quick stats because full-year 2018 data are not yet available.
02/11/2019
NEW DATA! Preliminary Second Quarter 2018 Mortality Trend Data
- Preliminary second quarter (April - June) 2018 mortality trend data including estimated number of fentanyl deaths, are now available.
- Preliminary first quarter (January - March)2018 mortality trend data, have been updated to reflect the most recent death file available.
NOTE: Overall 2018 trends, including estimated number of fentanyl deaths, may have changed due to the resolution of pending cases. The updated preliminary data are now available in the trend line graph and corresponding table (upper right corner box on State & County Dashboard pages). These data are not displayed on maps or quick stats because full-year 2018 data are not yet available.
02/11/2019
NEW DATA! First & Second Quarter 2018 Morbidity (Hosp.) Trend Data
- first and second quarter (January - June) 2018 Hospital discharge trend data from OSHPD are now available in the trend line graph and table (upper right corner box on State & County Dashboard pages) NOTE: Data for 2018 are only available on trend line graph and corresponding table and not displayed on maps or quick stats because full-year 2018 data are not yet available.
- Due to coding changes, hospital discharge data for 2015-2017 have been updated. This update may affect counts or rates for 2015-2017 posted previously on the Dashboard.
11/30/2018
NEW DATA! Second Quarter 2018 CURES Trend Data
Second quarter (April - June) 2018 opioid prescription data from the Department of Justice (DOJ) CURES database are available in the trend line graph and table (upper right corner box on State & County Dashboard pages).
NOTE: Data for 2018 are only available on trend line graph and corresponding table and not displayed on maps or quick stats because full-year 2018 data are not yet available.
11/30/2018
UPDATED - Preliminary First Quarter Mortality
Preliminary first quarter (January - March) 2018 mortality trend data, have been updated to reflect the most recent death file available from CHSI (Center for Health Statistics and Informatics). Overall trends, including estimated number of fentanyl deaths, may have changed due to the resolution of pending cases. The updated preliminary data are now available in the trend line graph and table (upper right corner box on State & County Dashboard pages).
Caution: Not all deaths may be recorded at this time, which may result in an undercount until all cases are included and 'pending' cases are resolved.
10/25/2018
NEW DATA! Second Quarter 2018 Morbidity (ED) Trend Data
Second quarter (April - June) 2018 morbidity Data - Emergency Dept. discharge trend data from OSHPD are now available in the trend line graph and table (upper right corner box on State & County Dashboard pages)
NOTE: Data for 2018 are only available on trend line graph and corresponding table and not displayed on maps or quick stats because full-year 2018 data are not yet available.
10/03/2018
UPDATED - Final Mortality Data for 2017
Mortality Data for 2017 have been updated to reflect the official 2017 California Comprehensive Master Death File from CHSI (Center for Health Statistics and Informatics). Updates to 'pending' cases in the preliminary file used previously has resulted in changes to death numbers, including number of fentanyl deaths, previously published on the dashboard.
10/03/2018
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NEW DATA! Preliminary First Quarter 2018 Mortality Trend Data
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Preliminary first quarter (January - March) 2018 mortality trend data, including estimated number of fentanyl deaths, are now available in the trend line graph and table (upper right corner box on State & County Dashboard pages).
Caution: Not all deaths may be recorded at this time, which may result in an undercount until all cases are included and 'pending' cases are resolved.
NEW DATA! First Quarter 2018 Morbidity Trend Data
- First quarter (January - March) 2018 morbidity data - Emergency Dept. discharge trend data from OSHPD are now available in the trend line graph and table (upper right corner box on State & County Dashboard pages) NEW DATA! First Quarter 2018 CURES Trend Data
- First quarter (January - March) 2018 opioid prescriptions data from the Department of Justice (DOJ) CURES database are now available in the trend line graph and table (upper right corner box on State & County Dashboard pages).
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NEW DATA! 2017 Morbidity Data - Hospital In-Patient Discharge
- Full year 2017 morbidity data - OSHPD hospital in-patient discharge data now available.
10/03/2018
UPDATED - Population Data for 2017
Population Data for 2017 has been updated to use current CDC Wonder data. In an effort to provide the most timely data possible, the California Department of Public Health creates population estimates for the most current year (e.g., 2018) using data obtained from the Department of Finance Population Estimates. These population estimates are used until the final estimates created by CDC are made available, usually in July of the next year.
10/03/2018
Bug Fixes - Thank you for reporting issues!
- Bug in Demographic Indicators table had been fixed
6/13/2018
NOTICE OF CORRECTION - Fentanyl-related Deaths
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has discovered an error in the previously reported number of 2017 fentanyl-related overdose deaths reported on the Opioid Overdose Dashboard. The correct number of fentanyl-related overdose deaths is 373, exactly one-half of the originally reported number of 746. No other indicators or years of data represented on the Dashboard are affected. There remains a substantial one-year increase in the number of fentanyl-related deaths (57% increase from 2016) which is an example of this dynamic and growing public health issue. We apologize for any inconvenience.
4/27/2018
NEW 2017 CURES Data
NEW 2017 Opioid Prescriptions data from Department of Justice (DOJ) CURES database.
4/27/2018
NEW 2017 Mortality and Morbidity Data
- PRELIMINARY 2017 Mortality data - including fentanyl-related fatalities based on text search of death certificates; Caution: Not all 2017 deaths may be recorded yet, which may result in a undercount until all cases are included and 'pending' cases are resolved.
- NEW 2017 Emergency Department data from OSHPD
4/27/2018
2017 Population Data
2017 Population estimates are created using both CDC Wonder and the California Department of Finance population data because CDC Wonder doesn't have 2017 population estimates available.
3/14/2018
Updated 2016 Mortality & Morbidity Data
- FINALIZED 2016 Mortality Data - including fentanyl-related fatalities
- NEW 2016 Emergency Department data from OSHPD
- NEW 2016 Hospitalization (i.e. In-Patient) data from OSHPD
11/3/2017
NEW Downloadable State Snapshot Report
Under the State Dashboard link in the sidebar, you will see a new State Report button. Clicking this button will generate a downloadable snapshot report of selected dashboard indicators. The new report is based on the last 12 quarters, and will automatically update as new data is released. Please email with feedback on this new feature.
11/3/2017 County-level Data Download Function UPDATE
Downloading indicator trends over time can be found using the time-plots on the County Dashboards. When you compare a selected county with the state or another county, the comparison area will now be included in the downloadable .csv file.
11/3/2017
NEW Help Feature
In the upper right corner of the Dashboard, a new help function is available for select pages. On the home page, and State and County dashboard pages it will walk you through the various features of that page. Give it a try and take the tour!
10/11/2017
NEW Preliminary Fentanyl Overdose Indicator
A new, preliminary fentanyl overdose indicator is now available on the dashboard. Importantly, this indicator is based on a text search of death certificates and likely represents an undercount of actual fentanyl deaths in California. As a preliminary indicator , it may be subject to updates and may change as our text search algorithm continues to evolve. Please check the Data Definitions page for more details.
10/11/2017
NEW Downloadable County Snapshot Reports
Under the County Dashboard link in the sidebar, you will see a new County Report button. Clicking this button will generate a downloadable snapshot report of selected dashboard indicators. The new reports are based on the last 12 quarters, and will automatically update as new data is released. Please email with feedback on this new feature.
8/18/2017
2016 Prescription Drug Indicator UPDATE
Due to an unforseen issue, we had to update our 2016 prescription drug data released on 8/4/2017. Buprenorphine was unintentionally included in our data used to create multiple indicators. The issue primarily affected MME calculations, as buprenorphine is a strong opioid. Please review indicators to see how this update may have affected rates in your area.
8/18/2017
2016 PRELIMINARY Mortality Data Available
The dashboard now includes preliminary mortality data for 2016. Rates and counts may change when final 2016 data are released . Morbidity data is still unavailable for 2016.
8/4/2017
2016 Prescription Drug Data Available
The dashboard now includes prescription drug data for 2016.
4/21/2017
Buprenorphine Indicator Update
An an issue with our buprenorphine measure - a key indicator of MAT expansion - was brought to our attention. The indicator has subsequently been updated.
3/27/2017
********ALL NEW DATA*********
- Everything you thought you could learn from the Dashboard has changed!
- New 2015 data at the state, county, and zip code level!
- New quarterly and annual rates!
- Counts available for the first time at the state and county levels!
- Examine indicators by sex, age, or race/ethnicity!
1/4/2017
New Data Exploration Tools
Two new tools have been added for exmaining indicator co-occurance at the county level. The County Bivariate Map and Bubble Plot allow for the display of multiple indicators simultaneously. You can find the new tools under the Explore link in the sidebar.
12/28/2016
Bug Fixes - Thank you for reporting issues!
- Maps now include a title and outlines for easier viewing.
- Bug in % Change Bar Graph has been fixed.
- Broken links to CDPH and Program websites fixed.
- Headers added to data downloads.
- County name and Zip Codes added to Rank Bar Graphs.
- Principle Diagnosis Code typo for Heroin has been fixed.
11/09/2016
New Dashboard Video Tutorials Available!
The Using the Dashboard now has six videos demonstrating the basics of dashboard use, including how to customize the displays and download data. Maximize them on your screen for the best viewing experience. Each video is 3-4 minutes.
11/01/2016
California Opioid Overdose Surveillance Dashboard Version 2 is released
Changes include:
- 'California Quick Stats' (high-level counts of featured indicators) and 'Dashboard Updates' info-box.
- New 'Using the Dashboard' page that will provide instructions and tutorials on use.
- Larger maps and graphs.
- Downloadable data for each graph.
- Revised rate change table.
10/05/2016
2015 CURES data are now available at the state and county levels only.
The data are from CURES 2.0 and reflect unduplicated counts of patients. All CURES 1.0 data have been removed, which included zip code level prescription drug data. CURES 1.0 data included duplicated patient counts and was only available up to 2013. Zip code level prescription drug data will be available soon.
9/22/2016
Califronia Opioid Overdose Surveillance Dashboard goes live
California Dashboard
Advanced Views - Bivariate Map and Bubble Plot
The map to the right is called a bivariate map. Bivariate maps are similar to the maps on the State and County dashboards, except
they go further by displaying two indicators on a single map. Why would we want to view two variables on a map? Bivariate maps show where two
variables tend to be in agreement or disagreement. This means we can begin to see where levels of selected indicators co-occur at the county level.
The frequency plots below each indicator (left side) will show you the levels of each indicator used to create the map. The levels were determined by creating tertiles from the frequency distributions of the selected indicators. The plots present the frequency of rates that fall in each tertile by color.
Legend for Map The legend above describes how each of the colored values combine to present infomation on whether the selected two variables tend to be in agreement or disagreement. Dark blue, or the upper right corner, indicates that values are both high and in agreement.
The frequency plots below each indicator (left side) will show you the levels of each indicator used to create the map. The levels were determined by creating tertiles from the frequency distributions of the selected indicators. The plots present the frequency of rates that fall in each tertile by color.
Legend for Map The legend above describes how each of the colored values combine to present infomation on whether the selected two variables tend to be in agreement or disagreement. Dark blue, or the upper right corner, indicates that values are both high and in agreement.
A Bubble Plot is a multiple-variable graph that is a cross between a scatterplot and a proportional area chart.
Similar to a scatterplot, the Bubble Plot on the right plots points along a grid. The horizontal and vertical axis are separate variables selected on the right. Each plotted point also represents a third variable by the size of the bubble. You can identify a specific county by coloring the bubble red. The year can be selected from the slider on the right, and can be used to animate the variables changing over time by clicking on the play button. Be aware that some variables are not present for all years, and may result in a blank graph.
Bubble Plots are typically used to compare and show the relationships between bubbles, by the use of positioning and proportions. The overall picture of Bubble Plots can be used to analyse patterns/correlations.
Too many bubbles can make the chart hard to read, so Bubble Plot on the right can be manipulated by interactivity: clicking or hovering over bubbles to display data information, and dragging or double-clicking to adjust the axis scaling.
Similar to a scatterplot, the Bubble Plot on the right plots points along a grid. The horizontal and vertical axis are separate variables selected on the right. Each plotted point also represents a third variable by the size of the bubble. You can identify a specific county by coloring the bubble red. The year can be selected from the slider on the right, and can be used to animate the variables changing over time by clicking on the play button. Be aware that some variables are not present for all years, and may result in a blank graph.
Bubble Plots are typically used to compare and show the relationships between bubbles, by the use of positioning and proportions. The overall picture of Bubble Plots can be used to analyse patterns/correlations.
Too many bubbles can make the chart hard to read, so Bubble Plot on the right can be manipulated by interactivity: clicking or hovering over bubbles to display data information, and dragging or double-clicking to adjust the axis scaling.
Technical Notes for this Application
Cause-of-death classification
Mortality statistics are compiled in accordance with World Health Organization (WHO) regulations specifying that WHO member nations classify and code causes of death in accordance with the current revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD). ICD provides the basic guidance used in virtually all countries to code and classify causes of death. It provides not only disease, injury, and poisoning categories but also the rules used to select the single underlying cause of death for tabulation from the several diagnoses that may be reported on a single death certificate, as well as definitions, tabulation lists, the format of the death certificate, and regulations on use of the classification. Causes of death for data presented in this application were coded according to ICD codes presented on the Data Definitions page.
Principal Diagnosis & External Cause Classification
Morbidity statistics are compiled in accordance with The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) guidelines for coding and reporting using the International Classification of Diseases, Clinical Modification. The Clinical Modification is a morbidity classification published by the United States for classifying diagnoses and reason for visits in all health care settings. The principal diagnosis is defined in the Uniform Hospital Discharge Data Set (UHDDS) as “that condition established after study to be chiefly responsible for occasioning the admission of the patient to the hospital for care.” UHDDS definitions are used to report ED visit and hospitalization data in a standardized manner. These definitions can be found in the July 31, 1985, Federal Register (Vol. 50, No, 147) , pp. 31038-40. Both ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM are based on the respective ICD-9 and ICD-10 statistical classifications of disease published by the World Health Organization (WHO). Morbidity data presented in this application were coded according to ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM codes described on the Data Definitions page. Importantly, all morbidity data for the fourth (4th) quarter of 2015 forward has been coded using ICD-10-CM.
Population Denominators
Population data used to compute rates from 2021 forward are from the California Department of Finance P-3 population projection file. Population estimates for computing rates from 2006-2020 originate from the Bridged-Race Population data available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) WONDER. Bridged-race population estimates are produced by the U.S. Census Bureau in collaboration with the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) and released by NCHS. The population estimates used in this application are based on intercensal (between 2000 & 2010) and postcensal (between 2011 and forward) estimates. Changes in rates between years, in part, reflect differences between population estimates. Quarterly rates are based on the population estimates for the midpoint of the year containing the quarter. Rates for 12-month periods are based on the average population estimates for each quarter.
Suppression of Counts
Counts are now available at the state and county levels. However, given the dashboard also presents indicators by selected demographic groups, for some combinations of time, geography, and demographic categories are either fully suppressed, or are partially suppressed for count greater than five cases. Please review the Data Suppression document for more information.
Computing Rates
Mortality and Morbidity rates are on an annual basis per 100,000 estimated population. Rates based on CURES data are on an annual basis per 1,000 estimated population, except for Milligrams of Morphine Equivalents (MMEs), which are estimated per resident. Age-adjusted rates are used to compare relative risks over time or between geographic areas; however, they should be viewed as relative indexes rather than as actual measures of risk. All age-adjusted rates were computed by the direct method; that is, by applying age-specific death rates to the U.S. standard population (relative age distribution of year 2000 projected population of the United States). Rate estimates are subject to sampling error and are less reliable when based on small counts. We encourage you to examine the confidence intervals when presented. Formulas used in the computation of rates in this application, and associated standard errors and confidence intervals, can be found here: Rate Algorithms
Statistical Differences
Statistical differences presented within this application are based on independent rates and are conservative approaches. We determined whether a significant difference exists between rates by comparing the respective 95% confidence intervals for both rates. As a conservative statistical test, we consider the differences not significant if the intervals overlap. For example, if we compared mortality rates for two consecutive years, and found Year 1 had an interval of 12.3-15.7 and the interval for Year 2 was 14.5-16.3, we would conclude there is no significant difference between the two rates. Please note that the smaller the number of events upon which the rate is based, the larger the confidence interval will be. Therefore, two rates based on small counts are less likely to be different.
Overdose Data Publications
Data publications about overdose-related issues in California can be found here.
Overdose Prevention Initiative Data Briefs
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Synthetic Opioid-Related Overdose Deaths Increased at an Unpredictable Pace in 2020
(PDF)
The Overdose Prevention Initiative has tracked the rise in overdose deaths in California over the past five years. This data brief presents an analysis of synthetic opioid overdoses, which indicates that overdose deaths related to synthetic opioids increased unpredictably in 2020.
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California State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System (CA SUDORS) 2019 Overview Data Brief
(PDF)
CA SUDORS is a public health surveillance system of unintentional and undetermined drug-related overdose deaths. CA SUDORS collects and combines data from death certificates, medical examiner/coroner (ME/C) investigative narratives, autopsy reports, and toxicology reports from participating CA counties to better understand the circumstances surrounding these overdose deaths.
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Adult Prescription Painkiller Misuse in California, 2017-2019
(PDF)
This data brief presents an analysis of data from UCLA’s 2017-2019 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS). The Overdose Prevention Initiative assessed statewide and county prevalence of adult prescription painkiller misuse, the reasons for prescription painkiller use, and the prescription painkiller source.
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Patterns of Opioid-Related Overdose Deaths in California, 2011-2017
(PDF)
California continues to face a serious public health crisis with the dynamic and rapidly changing opioid epidemic having substantial health and economic impacts. This brief describes opioid-related overdose deaths over time, and demographic differences among different types of opioid overdoses.
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Counting Opioid Overdose Deaths Among American Indians Using Different Definitions
(PDF)
The conventional public health surveillance method of counting opioid-related overdose deaths among American Indians and Alaska Natives ("AI/AN") relies on a racial classification that counts only single-race AI/ANs. This brief describes different ways of counting AI/AN populations.
Other Publications featuring California Data
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Sociodemographic and geographic disparities in excess fatal drug overdoses during the COVID-19 pandemic in California: A population-based study
(Link to Paper)
The Lancet Regional Health - Americas
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Steep increases in fentanyl-related mortality west of the Mississippi River: Recent evidence from county and state surveillance
(Link to Paper)
Drug and Alcohol Dependence
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Suspected Heroin Overdoses in US Emergency Departments, 2017-2018
(Link to Abstract)
American Journal of Public Health (AJPH)
Using this Application
There are two dashboards available for use. Both the California Dashboard and the County Dashboard (links available in the sidebar) display data with an emphasis on where the opioid overdose epidemic is most acute (i.e. by county and zip code), and how it has changed over time in these areas.
Look for the following when navigating the site:
- Collapses or 'hides' the sidebar. For some screen sizes (i.e. 1078x768), collapsing the side bar may improve viewing of the dashboard. If not, we recommend adjusting your browser window.- Settings for graphs or tables. Each window has an analytic focus and is customizable by clicking the 'settings' icon in each window. Settings include but are not limited to:
- Data Source
- Total population or demographic group(s)
- Type of rate to display (crude or age-adjusted)
- Year or quarter to display (all graphs default to the most current year of data)
- Data Indicator (please review the Data Definitions page)
- Geography (depends on the graph)
Clicking, Hovering, Scrolling, & Dragging
All of the graphs and maps are dynamic, which means they respond to clicking, hovering over, scrolling or dragging elements.
The maps will zoom by scrolling, move by dragging (like Google Maps), and will display data for colored geographic areas upon clicking. All of the graphs respond to clicking
and dragging. You can reset the graphs by double-clicking. All of the bar charts will display data values by hovering your mouse over the bars. We recommend exploring the graphs
in order to achieve the rendering of the data desired.
Understanding the Data
The data used in this application was gathered from several sources:
- Mortality files provided by the CDPH Center for Health Statistics and Informatics (CHSI)
- Emergency Department Visit & Inpatient Discharge Data provided by the California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI), formerly Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD)
- Prescription drug data from the Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System (CURES) at the California Department of Justice
Both crude and age-adjusted rates are available for each indicator.
Crude death rates equal the total number of deaths during a specific year for a given cause of death (e.g., heroin overdose), divided by the population and multiplied by 100,000. For example, a crude death rate of 20 for heroin overdoses would mean that there were 20 resident deaths from heroin overdose per 100,000 population for a given year. The same approach was used to calculate crude incidence rates for emergency department visits and hospitalizations due to, for example, opioid overdoses.
Age-adjusting the rates ensures that differences in incidence or deaths from one year to another, or between one geographic area and another (e.g., county-to-county), are not due to differences in the age distribution of the populations being compared.
Prescription rates all prescription drug measures are based on counts of either prescriptions or residents meeting some criteria (i.e. taking 100+ MMEs of prescription opioids), and divided by the population and multiplied by 1,000. Please note that prescription drug indicators are per 1,000 residents unless otherwise noted.
Please visit the Data Definitions and Technical Notes page for detailed descriptions of how each indicator was calculated, assumptions regarding the data, data suppression, and any limitations.
Resource Links
General Information:
- California Department of Public Health (CDPH) - California's approach to the overdose epidemic
- Overdose Prevention Initiative (OPI) - CDPH Overdose Prevention Initiative
- Substance and Addiction Prevention Branch - California overdose surveillance and prevention
- Injury and Violence Prevention Branch - California injury and violence prevention
Other Data Dashboards:
- Cannabis Poison Control System Calls Dashboard - Substance and Addiction Prevention Branch Youth Cannabis Prevention Initiative
- California Youth Cannabis Use Dashboard - Substance and Addiction Prevention Branch Youth Cannabis Prevention Initiative
- CDPH EpiCenter- NEW - Updated California Injury Data Online
Harm Reduction:
Data Information:
- Other Data Products - Links to OPI's other data products, including preliminary overdose mortality data
- California Department of Health Care Acess and Information (HCAI) - ED visit and hospitalization data
- Center for Health Statistics and Informatics (CHSI) - Vital records (including death) data
- Department of Justice (DOJ) - CURES 2.0 - Prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) data
- PDMP TTAC - Brandeis prescription drug monitoring program training and technical assistance center (PDMP TTAC)
- CDC WONDER - Population Data
- CA Department of Finance - California population projections