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SALT LAKE CITY -- The rate of poisoning deaths in downtown Salt Lake City is 66 percent higher than in the rest of Utah, according to numbers from the Salt Lake Valley Health Department.
Data shows from 2005 to 2009 in Salt Lake County, 596 "undetermined" poisoning deaths were reported. They typically involved prescription drugs and the intent of the person who took them was not known.
The number of deaths is alarming and has led Salt Lake County and the health department to put together an Injury Prevention Strategic Plan. It covers a large list of items, not just poisoning.
Regarding poisoning deaths, the plan aims to:
- Encourage people to turn in unused prescription drugs
- Educate the public about the dangers of not following the directions on pill bottles
- Point out the risk that comes from mixing prescription pills with alcohol
Poisoning deaths per 100,000 population, 2003-2007
| Cause of death | Downtown SL | Utah |
|---|---|---|
| Poisoning | 31.8 | 19.1 |
On Oct. 29, the DEA and state and local law enforcement agencies will hold a National Drug Take Back Initiative. It gives the public an opportunity to properly dispose of potentially dangerous controlled substances and other medications from medicine cabinets. For a list of event locations, click here.
To review the injury prevention plan, click here.
Health officials say these types of deaths can and should be prevented.
