The Northern Kentucky Health Department is launching a public-facing data dashboard that tracks key information on drug overdoses and trends in a four-county region.
The dashboard tracks suspected fatal and non-fatal overdose instances, EMS encounters, and emergency room admissions, as well as if naloxone was administered across Grant, Campbell, Kenton and Boone counties. The data can be searched by date and by county to help identify trends.
“The health department felt it was important to create the dashboard and place it on its website where it can easily be accessed by the public,” said NKY Health District Director of Health Jennifer Mooney. “A first step in recognizing how serious the issue is in the region, and then fulfilling its mission of addressing priority community health needs.”
The health department updates the dashboard weekly and shares any trends or information with public safety, health officials, and key stakeholders who can use the information to implement prevention and intervention actions. Relevant information is also being shared with the public on the NKY Health social media platforms.
“This dashboard helps the public remain aware of overdoses and drug trends occurring throughout our community and demonstrates to people that the opioid crisis and other emerging drug threats are far from over,” said Mooney. “With near real-time data, we can better target necessary prevention and intervention efforts to address substance use in Grant, Campbell, Kenton, and Boone counties.”
The dashboard can be found here.