Milwaukee's Opioid Epidemic on Youth Populations
Mentor 1
Dr. Tina Freiburger
Location
Union 260
Start Date
5-4-2019 1:00 PM
Description
In 2017, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 130 American died from opioid (including prescription opioids and illegal opioids like heroin) overdoses daily, six-times higher than in 1999. This epidemic has not only affected the lives taken by overdoses but also the lives of those they leave behind. This project examined the opioid overdose deaths in Milwaukee County through official data from the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner to identify common themes and patterns to generate information on possible points of intervention and prevention. The findings indicate that the effects of the opioid epidemic span generations, and have especially adverse effects on youth, placing them at risk for exposure to substance abuse behaviors, trauma, and removal from their homes. We have collected statistics that highlight the specific impact that opioids have on youth population within Milwaukee that will be further examined and held as evidence for programs to mediate and support these youth. For example, our data allows us to see the ages of those who have overdosed, if they have left children behind (including their age), police reports on the conditions surrounding the deceased time of death, narratives of their family's knowledge about the deceased, etc. Understanding the effect that the opioid epidemic has on the Milwaukee youth population will effectively support programs and mediation for at-risk children so that they are able to manage their exposure and trauma to this substance on top of losing a close family member.
Milwaukee's Opioid Epidemic on Youth Populations
Union 260
In 2017, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 130 American died from opioid (including prescription opioids and illegal opioids like heroin) overdoses daily, six-times higher than in 1999. This epidemic has not only affected the lives taken by overdoses but also the lives of those they leave behind. This project examined the opioid overdose deaths in Milwaukee County through official data from the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner to identify common themes and patterns to generate information on possible points of intervention and prevention. The findings indicate that the effects of the opioid epidemic span generations, and have especially adverse effects on youth, placing them at risk for exposure to substance abuse behaviors, trauma, and removal from their homes. We have collected statistics that highlight the specific impact that opioids have on youth population within Milwaukee that will be further examined and held as evidence for programs to mediate and support these youth. For example, our data allows us to see the ages of those who have overdosed, if they have left children behind (including their age), police reports on the conditions surrounding the deceased time of death, narratives of their family's knowledge about the deceased, etc. Understanding the effect that the opioid epidemic has on the Milwaukee youth population will effectively support programs and mediation for at-risk children so that they are able to manage their exposure and trauma to this substance on top of losing a close family member.
