Trends and characteristics of heroin overdoses in Wisconsin, 2003–2012

Highlights • Medically-attended heroin overdoses and heroin-related fatalities increased by over 500% during 2003–2012 in Wisconsin. • Demographic shifts occurred over the study period, with increased overdoses and deaths among whites and rural residents. • In 2012, rates of emergency department visits for heroin overdose exceeded those for prescription opioid overdose in persons 18–34 years of age. • Public health efforts should address both heroin and opioid abuse simultaneously by ensuring adequate access to substance treatment services.