A report released today indicates overdose deaths dramatically increased among Blacks and Native Americans during the pandemic in 2020.

Overdue deaths increased 44% for Blacks and 39% for Native Americans in 2020 when compared with the previous year, according to a report released by the CDC.

According to the report, the COVID-19 pandemic impeded access to care and triggered higher rates of racial inequality.

The increases in deaths were attributed to  illegally-manufactured fentanyl.

Before the pandemic, the overdose rate was similar for Whites, Blacks and Native Americans at rate of 25, 26, and 27 per 100,000 people in 2019. In 2020, the respective figures were 31, 39, and 36 per 100,000 people.

The report showed area with wider income gaps had the highest death rates.

More about the report can be found here.