Monnat interviewed by Institute for New Economic Thinking on the Epidemic of Despair

February 4, 2021

Lerner Center for Public Health Promotion and Population Health

Shannon Monnat shares her insights on the increased deaths of despair, like overdoses, during the COVID-19 pandemic in this article. Deaths of despair are affecting more distressed and vulnerable populations. Monnat has been studying drug overdoses for years and has seen that communities with more economic stability, a strong social safety net, and better quality jobs are less likely to be affected by overdoses. She notes that recreation and tourism dependent areas have been especially vulnerable since the start of the pandemic and predicts to see geographic and demographic changes in deaths of despair as a result.