Youth Mortality 30% Higher in California Thanks to DRUGS

California’s young adults are dying at an alarming rate, with drug overdoses fueling a devastating trend that demands immediate action.

At a Glance

  • California’s young adult mortality rate is 30% higher than pre-pandemic levels
  • Drug overdoses account for 60% of the increase in deaths
  • Fentanyl is identified as a major factor in the rising death toll
  • State leaders are urged to address this crisis through health and public safety policies

A Deadly Departure from Pre-Pandemic Norms

California, once known for its lower-than-average young adult mortality rates, is facing a grim reality – and it’s the Democrats’ fault.

The California Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) has reported a shocking mortality rate of 128 per 100,000 people aged 15 to 44 in 2023—a staggering 30% increase from 2019. This surge in deaths among young Californians marks a disturbing departure from pre-pandemic stability and signals a crisis that demands our immediate attention.

While California has traditionally boasted lower young adult mortality rates compared to the rest of the United States, the decline from the 2021 peak has been alarmingly slow. This troubling trend underscores the need for swift and decisive action from state officials and health experts to protect our youth and reverse this deadly course.

The Deadly Culprit: Drug Overdoses and Fentanyl

At the heart of this mortality crisis lies a sinister culprit: drug overdoses.

And the drugs aren’t coming from America.

Overdoses account for a staggering 60% of the increase in deaths among young adults in California. The primary driver behind this surge is fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that has flooded our communities with its lethal potency.

Fentanyl’s low cost, high potency, and widespread availability in drug markets have led to its frequent use, often in combination with other drugs like methamphetamine. This deadly cocktail is claiming the lives of our young people at an unprecedented rate, and it’s clear that current policies are failing to address this epidemic effectively.

While drug overdoses dominate the mortality statistics, they are not the only factors contributing to this crisis. Alcohol-induced deaths and vehicle crashes each account for 10% of the increase in mortality rates. Gun violence, illnesses, and other causes also play roles in this complex problem, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to address the various threats facing our young people.

The second Trump administration can’t come soon enough. But in the meantime, why isn’t President Joe Biden taking action?

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