The Impact of Data

Who’s being left behind, and why?

Data is the foundation of research that drives opioid response policy, funding and programs.

The Ethnic Communities Opioid Response Network – MO advocates for the use of disaggregated data (including people who use languages other than English (LOTE)) to address the opioid crisis in our ethnic communities. Embedded within binary-driven racialized (Black-White) community data that is commonly used in the current opioid crisis response, there are communities that are ethnically, culturally and linguistically diverse.

Below are four maps that highlight where communities that use languages other than English (LOTE) or are limited English Proficient (LEP) in STL City & County reside in relationship to maps of where overdoses and deaths occur. These maps illustrates how the use of inclusive and disaggregated data can enhance the development of strategic opioids plans that reflect a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Opioid-Related Deaths – City of St. Louis

Map 1. Opioid Related Deaths Data – City of St Louis

Source: Behavioral Health Bureau Booklet, City of St Louis, Oct 2022

According to data from the Medical Examiner’s Office, drug overdose fatalities increased in the city by 30% percent, from 317 in 2017 to 448 in 2021; fentanyl was the illicit drug responsible for most deaths followed by cocaine.

Map 2. LOTE/LEP Demographic Map – City of St Louis

Source: EW Gateway Council of Governments
People who use languages other than English (LOTE) or are considered limited-English proficient (LEP).

Opioid-Related Deaths – St. Louis County

There were 343 opioid-related deaths in St. Louis County in 2021, tying 2020 for a record number of deaths. This is the third year in which more than 300 people have died from opioid-related causes in St. Louis County. The general trend since 2017 shows continual increases. Communities across St. Louis County have been affected, as the map below shows, there were opioid-related overdose deaths in almost every ZIP code in the county.

Map 3. St. Louis County Opioid-Related Overdose Mortality by ZIP Code of Occurrence (2017 – 2021)

Source: St Louis County 2022-2024 Action Plan to Address Substance Use and Overdose

This map was produced with 2017-2021 opioid-related mortality data provided by the St. Louis County Medical Examiner’s Office. Rates in the following zip codes should be interpreted with caution due to an RSE>30 (63005, 63025, 63034, 63126, 63132).

Map 4. LOTE/ LEP Demographic Map – St Louis County

Source: EW Gateway Council of Government