2005 Los Angeles County Overdose Deaths1

• Drug Overdose was the #1 cause of premature death for white LAC residents 25-44 years old and the #2 cause of premature death for black females 25-44 years old.


• Drug Overdose was among the top 5 leading causes of premature death in Service Planning Areas 2 (San Fernando Valley) and 5 (West Los Angeles).


• Drug overdose was the 4th and 5th leading cause of premature death for LAC residents ages 25-44 and 15-24, respectively.

Los Angeles County Deaths involving Drugs and Alcohol (2005)2

• Illicit drugs were involved in nearly 4,000 deaths. 1633 (41%) of those deaths were accidental in nature.


• 95% of all deaths involving heroin were the result of accidental overdose.

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1. Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. (July 2008). Mortality in Los Angeles County, 2005, Leading Causes of Death and Premature Death. Available [on-line]:

2. Los Angeles County Department of Coroner. (April 2007). Annual Report Year 2005. Available [on-line]: