• Accidental overdose is the second leading cause of accidental death in California.1


• Since 1990, accidental overdose deaths have increased by more than 100%, surpassing deaths caused from firearms, homicides and AIDS.2


• Statewide, accidental drug overdose is the #1 leading cause of injury-related death for people between the ages of 35-54 and is the #2 leading cause of death for 15-34 year olds.3

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1. CDC: WISQARS 10 Leading Causes of Unintentional Injury Deaths, California, 2006, All Races, Both Sexes. Available [on-line](accessed July 9, 2009).

2. California Department of Health Services: Death Records. Available [on-line] (June 22, 2009); CDC Wonder, Compressed Mortality. [on-line] (Accessed July 8, 2009).

3. CDC: WISQARS 10 Leading Causes of Unintentional Injury Deaths, California 1999-2006, All Races, Both Sexes.  Available [on-line] (Accessed June 30, 2009).