Local News

WAYNE COUNTY RANKS NEARLY LAST FOR OPIOID OVERDOSES

(Wayne County, IN)--Tuesday, the Wayne County Health Board heard some statistics regarding where Wayne County ranks with other Indiana counties in various categories.  Wayne County is in the middle of the pack for some indicators including obesity (58th), infant mortality (50th), and in women who smoke while pregnant (64th).  But, it ranks nearly dead last in one category.  "Opioid overdose rate...we're 91out of 92 counties, so we're the worst in this area," said Dan Burk with the Health Department.  There are also only six Indiana counties with shorter life expectancies.  The average Indiana resident lives to the age of 75.  But, in Wayne County, it’s only 72.