Arizona’s Overdose Crisis Amid Rising Heat | Tucson News

Arizona’s overdose death rate has surged to nearly double the national average, making it the only state where drug deaths are still climbing past pandemic peaks. Fueled by border access to potent drugs like fentanyl and meth—responsible for 80% of Pima County’s fatalities—and deadly heat waves that amplify drug-induced cardiovascular stress, the crisis is especially brutal for unhoused individuals forced to endure 150-degree surfaces. Nearly half this year’s heat-related deaths were overdoses. With summer still ahead, urgent action is needed to expand shelters and support systems before this escalating tragedy claims even more lives. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/21670a2f7c642c22