KNOXVILLE — A new report released Wednesday by the Knox County Regional Forensic Center shows drug-related deaths in Knox County and Anderson County increased by more than 41 percent from 2016 to 2017.
While the drug epidemic continues to affect all demographics, the number of African Americans who died of drug-related causes surged 113 percent in the two counties as compared to 2016. All age groups saw significant increases in drug-related deaths. The deaths occurred most frequently in the 45-54 category.
“The 2017 data shows an alarming, continuing upward trend in drug deaths in Knox and Anderson Counties,” John Lott, Senior Director of the Knox County Regional Forensic Center, said. “In addition, we have seen some demographic shifts and the introduction of more illicit drugs such as Fentanyl and its analogues.”
Around 60 percent of all the drug-related deaths involved a mixture of multiple drugs. Fentanyl was the most frequently found drug among 2017 drug-related death cases with an increase of 179 percent from 2016.
“Unfortunately, the drug epidemic in our community continues to spiral out-of-control” Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs said. “While our law enforcement and other agencies are tireless in their efforts to address this issue, it’s apparent that a community-wide approach is necessary if we are to stop this disturbing trend. Hopefully the info presented in this report can help initiate a larger conversation that leads to a definitive plan of action to stop the growing drug problem.”
Already in 2018, 209 people have died in Knox County alone from suspected drug overdoses. 293 people died from suspected drug overdoses in all of 2017.
The Knox County Regional Forensic Center report points to troubling trends for 2018. Fentanyl and its analogues continue to be the most frequently found drugs in drug-related deaths. So far, the 45-54 age group has the highest number of drug-related deaths in 2018.
If you or a loved one is battling addiction, there is a list of resources to get help here.