Comparison of Characteristics of Deaths From Drug Overdose Before vs During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Rhode Island.

Importance: The rate of deaths from overdose has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, and recent US overdose mortality rates have been markedly high. However, scant data are available on the causes of this increase or subpopulations at elevated risk.

Objective: To evaluate the rates and characteristics of deaths from drug overdose before vs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Addressing the Social Determinants of Health: The Rhode Island State Innovation Model (RI SIM) Experience.

Addressing social determinants of health (SDOH) is important for improving health and reducing longstanding disparities in health and health care. There is growing interest in standardizing SDOH measures and assessment tools for clinicians to help improve health outcomes. In 2015, Rhode Island received a $20 million State Innovation Model Test Grant (RI SIM) from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to carry out health system transformation and to improve population health.