Opioid use is a growing issue in both rural and urban settings in the United States. The U.S. makes up only four percent of the world population, but 27 percent of drug overdose deaths. Understanding the geographic distribution and characteristics of opioid deaths in Iowa is essential to effectively addressing this crisis.

This publication compares the existing conditions of the opioid epidemic in Iowa to surrounding states, conditions related to the opioid crisis across Iowa counties and provides strategies and resources to address opioid abuse in Iowa communities.