This page presents data on opioid use disorder, overdose trends and treatment engagement in Allegheny County, drawing on available data covering through 2023 and early 2024. The content focuses on patterns of engagement with medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and describes how connection varies across populations, service settings and providers. We invite you to explore this page and the report to better understand recent trends and system-level patterns in Allegheny County.
Key Takeaways
- OUD remains widespread. Opioid use disorder affects about 5% of Allegheny County residents each year, yet many people who use opioids outside medical guidance do not receive active treatment.
- Fatal overdose disparities have grown. Recent trends show widening racial inequities in overdose deaths, with Black residents dying at much higher rates than White residents.
- Treatment engagement differs by race among Medicaid enrollees. Analysis of Medicaid claims shows that White enrollees engage in OUD-related behavioral health services and connect to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) at higher rates than Black enrollees.
- MOUD connection coincides with lower fatal overdose rates. Among Medicaid enrollees who engage in OUD services, those who connect to MOUD shortly after service initiation experience lower subsequent fatal overdose rates than those who do not.
- Despite the association between MOUD connection and lower overdose risk, many individuals who engage in OUD services do not connect to MOUD. Connection rates remain below 40% and vary by service type and provider.
What’s Next
Since 2023, Allegheny County—like much of the nation—has experienced a decline in fatal overdoses (Click here to explore overdose trends in the county). Building on this progress, the County remains focused on further reducing overdose deaths and mitigating the harms associated with opioid use disorder. The report describes multiple initiatives supported by opioid settlement funds that aim to strengthen treatment access, recovery supports, harm reduction, prevention and innovation. Examples include: mobile MOUD sites, MOUD via telehealth, warm handoffs from emergency departments, recovery and low-barrier housing, syringe service programs, youth prevention supports, contingency management and wastewater monitoring.
Together, these investments reflect a coordinated, cross-system approach to the work ahead—expanding pathways into treatment, lowering barriers to sustained care, and adapting to an increasingly volatile and dangerous drug supply. To remain informed on how Allegheny County uses opioid settlement funds and to learn about related initiatives, visit the Allegheny County Opioid Settlement Projects page.
Questions or Feedback?
We welcome your questions and suggestions. To share feedback, you can reach us at DHSResearch@alleghenycounty.us. If you’d like to stay informed, consider signing up for our newsletter. To learn how to use DHS data in your research, please visit our Requesting Data page. Thank you for your time and interest. Your engagement helps shape and improve how we share data that matters.