The County uses this data to shape overdose prevention strategies focused on groups most affected by overdose. This information is divided by age, gender, and race and ethnicity because one of the primary goals of the Public Health Department is racial and health equity. By tracking data by these categories, we can take the right actions to prevent overdoses. What is learned from the data helps to provide fair and relevant services and to inform conversations with community members.
How to use the dashboard
To view overdose data by zip code:
- Select a measure
- Hover over the map to view data in that area
To view demographic data:
- Select a timeframe
- Select a substance type
About this dashboard
Rates represent the number of events that occur in a specific population during a specific period of time. They provide more context than the number of events alone since they adjust for population size and allow fair comparisons. Since health outcomes occur at different rates in certain age groups and multiple populations may have different age distributions, adjusted rates control for the effects of age are provided in the dashboard.
Rates calculated from incident counts below 20 are not included to prevent sharing potentially identifiable patient information. Analysis has also been limited to incident cases for Santa Clara County residents and zip codes that fall completely within the boundaries of Santa Clara County. Non-fatal demographics are not represented due to data availability.
Learn about overdoses in your area
- Knowing local overdose rates helps you better understand the severity of the issue in your community. If you are aware about the dangers of substance use, you can take preventive actions for yourself and your family.
- Data on overdoses help justify the need for funding in this critical area. Community-based organizations (CBOs) can use emergency room visits, hospitalization, and death rates in specific areas and population groups to show disparities within the county. Organizations can use this information in grant applications to demonstrate how tailored education, treatment, and harm reduction strategies will address gaps and improve outcomes for these groups.
- Local information fosters community engagement. It empowers individuals, CBOs, health care providers, and policymakers to collaborate on funding efforts, promotion on prevention and treatment, and policy strategies.
Now that you know more about overdose in your area, get involved to make Santa Clara County overdose-free.