What is the leading cause of non-health related death in Ohio? Murder? Car accidents? Accidental injuries?

No. The leading cause of non-injury death in Ohio in 2010, as it has been since 2007, is unintentional drug poisoning, what in most cases comes down to overdosing on prescription or illegal drugs.

The numbers themselves are alarming but can hide the fact that the state is making progress, at least in some of the worst hit areas.

A recent report by the Ohio Department of Health showed that the number of accidental drug overdose deaths rose in 2010 to 1544, an increase of approximately 100 from 2009.

On average, four people die every day due to drug overdose. From 1999 to 2010 Ohio’s death rate from unintentional drug poisonings grew 372 percent from 327 in 1999 to 1544 in 2010.

And, although there were increases in 42 of Ohio’s 88 counties, the number did decrease in Scooto County. The work to close “pill mills” and other avenues for obtaining prescription drugs or illegal drugs has made impact

The statistics in this report show that our region has more work to do. We have made some progress but more has to be done he will take a strong effort by our national and state leaders, as well as local law-enforcement and others.

The data is not yet compiled for 2011 but we can start working now to ensure that 2012 reverses the trend.

By doing so we will keep our family safe and make our communities stronger.