On this page: About the National Data | Methodology
About the National Data
Data
Data Sources: National Vital Statistics System - Mortality (NVSS-M), CDC/NCHS; Population Estimates, Census
Baseline: 4.7 deaths per 100,000 population were caused by an overdose involving heroin in 2018
Target: 4.2 per 100,000
Methodology
Methodology notes
Deaths are classified using the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD–10). Drug overdose deaths are identified using underlying cause-of-death codes X40–X44, X60–X64, X85, and Y10–Y14. The numerator will include drug overdose deaths that have heroin (T40.1) as a contributing cause using the multiple cause of death file.
Death rates are calculated based on the resident population of the United States for the data year involved. For census years (e.g. 2020), population counts enumerated as of April 1 are used. For all other years, populations estimates as of July 1 are used. Postcensal population estimates are used in rate calculations for years after a census year and match the data year vintage (e.g. July 1, 2021 resident population estimates from Vintage 2021 are used as the denominator for 2021 rates). Intercensal population estimates are used in rate calculations for the years between censuses (e.g. 2011–2019).
Age-adjustment notes
This indicator uses Age-Adjustment Groups:
- Total: <1, 1-4, 5-14, 15-24, 25-34, 35-44, 45-54, 55-64, 65-74, 75-84, 85+
- Sex: <1, 1-4, 5-14, 15-24, 25-34, 35-44, 45-54, 55-64, 65-74, 75-84, 85+
- Race/Ethnicity: <1, 1-4, 5-14, 15-24, 25-34, 35-44, 45-54, 55-64, 65-74, 75-84, 85+
- Geographic Location: <5, 5-14, 15-24, 25-34, 35-44, 45-54, 55-64, 65-74, 75-84, 85+
- Marital Status: 25-34, 35-44, 45-54, 55-64, 65-74, 75+
- Educational Attainment: 25-34, 35-44, 45-54, 55-64