75k Americans at Risk of Dying From Overdose, Suicide Due To Coronavirus Despair

By Staff, CNN

As many as 75,000 Americans could die because of drug or alcohol misuse and suicide as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, an analysis conducted by the national public health group Well Being Trust suggested.

The group is sounding the alarm that the growing unemployment crisis, economic downturns and stress caused by isolation and lack of a definitive end date for the pandemic could significantly increase so-called "deaths of despair" unless local, state and federal authorities take action.

"Unless we get comprehensive federal, state, and local resources behind improving access to high quality mental health treatments and community supports, I worry we're likely to see things get far worse when it comes to substance misuse and suicide," Well Being Trust's chief strategy officer Dr. Benjamin F. Miller told CNN.

Miller emphasized the data is just a projection, and that actions taken could change the number of deaths.

"We can change the numbers -- the deaths have not happened yet. However, it is on us to take action now," Miller says.

The Well Being trust also released maps showing state and county level projects of these types of deaths based on data from past years due to Covid-19's impact on unemployment, isolation and uncertainty.

The group is calling for a robust approach from local, state and federal officials and agencies to ensure those who lose their jobs because of the pandemic can find work.