Table 1.
Characteristics of 19 Massachusetts communities* with high opioid overdose burden. Values are percentages unless stated otherwise
| Characteristics | Communities (n=19) |
|---|---|
| 2005 population, total | 2 055 086 |
| Mean | 108 162 |
| Median | 87 392 |
| Range | 30 236-609 690 |
| Age <18 years | 22.4 |
| Male | 48.0 |
| Race or ethnicity: | |
| Hispanic | 13.8 |
| White, non-Hispanic | 63.9 |
| Black, non-Hispanic | 11.9 |
| Other, non-Hispanic | 10.1 |
| Below poverty level | 16.4 |
| Treatment events per 100 000 people, 2009: | |
| Inpatient detoxification | 630.0 |
| Methadone maintenance | 161.8 |
| Stated funded buprenorphine maintenance | 41.5 |
| Opioid prescriptions to doctor shoppers† | 10.9 |
*Geographically distinct cities and towns.
†Schedule II opioid prescriptions dispensed to doctor shoppers (individuals with schedule II opioid prescriptions from ≥4 prescribers and filled prescriptions at ≥4 pharmacies in 12 month period) per total opioid prescriptions dispensed.