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Investigating The Impact Of The Diseases Of Despair In Appalachia, Michael Meit, Megan Heffernan, Erin Tanenbaum

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Appalachia is one of the regions most significantly impacted by the opioid crisis. This study investigated mortality due to diseases of despair within the Appalachian Region, with an additional focus on deaths attributable to opioid overdose.

Methods: Diseases of despair include: alcohol, prescription drug and illegal drug overdose, suicide, and alcoholic liver disease/cirrhosis of the liver. Mortality data from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) National Vital Statistics System (NVSS) Multiple Cause of Death database were analyzed for this study, focusing on individuals aged 15–64.

Results: Over the past two decades, the mortality rate due to diseases of …

An Immigrant's Provisions For Mortality, Inga Wiehl

The Bridge

It is my experience that we avoid funerals because they remind us of our mortality for which provisions must be made. Our resistance has two causes: we dread - in accordance with the human tendency to resist change - the most profound change of all, from life to death, mortality itself. Secondly, we dislike having to provide for our own departure according to the custom of the country or the taste of the individual.