Scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say fatal drug overdoses nationwide surged roughly 20% during the pandemic, killing more than 83,000 people in 2020. A growing body of research suggests Black Americans have suffered the heaviest toll. Jamiel Law for NPR hide caption
Lights placed as a memorial to COVID-19 victims surround the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on Jan. 19. Some economists believe deaths tied to alcohol use, drug use and suicides have risen during the pandemic as the isolation felt by many has taken an emotional toll. Alex Brandon/AP hide caption
One person has died and a total of 12 people were taken to the hospital after a mass drug overdose in Chico, Calif. Above, syringes of the opiate fentanyl appear at an inpatient pharmacy. Rick Bowmer/AP hide caption