Why is this important?

Drug poisoning (“overdose” or OD) and substance use disorder (SUD) deaths resulting from short or long-term substance abuse has been and remains a significant public health concern for Humboldt County. The recent rise in fentanyl-related deaths represents a major new challenge to address the ongoing impact of SUD in Humboldt County.
Priority Area

Substance Use Disorder

Drug poisoning or overdose, and substance use disorder (SUD) deaths resulting from short- or long-term substance use is a significant public health issue for Humboldt County. Drug overdose deaths are also a national and state-level public health emergency and priority. Humboldt County's rate of drug overdose remains higher than state and national rates, and the Healthy People 2030 target.
Click here for more data
Compared to CA Counties, Humboldt has a value of 273.7 which is in the worst 25% of counties. Counties in the best 50% have a value lower than 141.5 while counties in the worst 25% have a value higher than 183.3. Compared to CA Counties, Humboldt has a value of 273.7 which is in the worst 25% of counties. Counties in the best 50% have a value lower than 141.5 while counties in the worst 25% have a value higher than 183.3.
Age-Adjusted ED Visit Rate due to All Drug Overdose
(Compared to CA Counties)
Compared to the CA Value (19%), Humboldt has a value of 31.0% which is higher and worse. Compared to the CA Value (19%), Humboldt has a value of 31.0% which is higher and worse.
11th Graders Who Reported Using Drugs or Alcohol in the Past 30 Days
(Compared to CA State Value)
Compared to CA Counties, Humboldt has a value of 12.1% which is in the worst 25% of counties. Counties in the best 50% have a value lower than 7.9% while counties in the worst 25% have a value higher than 9.5%. Compared to CA Counties, Humboldt has a value of 12.1% which is in the worst 25% of counties. Counties in the best 50% have a value lower than 7.9% while counties in the worst 25% have a value higher than 9.5%.
Adults who Smoke
(Compared to CA Counties)

County: Humboldt

Strategy Map
The CHIP strategy maps were developed in collaboration with community partners to create a snapshot of the good work happening in Humboldt County related to the priority areas. The maps do not represent the full spectrum of efforts and partners working to improve local population health, but are intended to highlight some of the amazing work that already exists, support alignment and awareness of this work, build capacity for identifying and implementing new strategies and track collective progress toward our goals. The strategy maps are subject to change as community partners continue to do this work and learn more about the impact that COVID-19 has had on our community.

Abstract art bright colors Progress: Substance Use Disorder 

Click on the bars below to learn about progress being made in each of these strategies. *Note: Since we are still adding information about our collective efforts, only some bars will expand. 

Goal 1:  Prevent and reduce substance use and misuse

Provide education and promote awareness on risks associated with substance use


2024

  • Provide education and promote awareness on risks associated with substance use.

*Promote safe opioid prescribing practices


2024

*Increase protective factors for youth (e.g., positive life skills and cultural connectedness)


2024

*Improve access to information about local substance use disorder resources and services


2024

*Advocate for policies that advance substance-free norms and reduce youth access to substances


2024

Goal 2:  Enhance SUD system (treatment and recovery support services) access, integration, and coordination

*Increase SUD screening for at-risk populations


2024

*Provide treatment and support services for SUD


2024

*Improve coordination of care for people with SUD (E.R., Primary Care, Crisis Units, Criminal Justice System, etc.)


2024

*Increase availability of and access to Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)


2024

*Promote culturally appropriate SUD treatment options


2024

Goal 3:  Reduce harm associated with substance use

Promote education, awareness, and access to harm reduction practices


2024

  • Distribute naloxone kits throughout the county to prevent fatal overdose

*Increase data collaboration


2024