More than 2 million children were affected by the opioid crisis in 2017

A new look at how the opioid epidemic has affected children finds that 2.2 million children — or 28 out of every 1,000 children — experienced neonatal withdrawal, had to enter foster care, or were addicted to opioids themselves in 2017. Here’s more: 

• Overall trends: West Virginia, one of the states hardest-hit by the opioid crisis, also had the highest rate of affected children, at 54 out of 1,000 children. California had the lowest rate — 20 out of 1,000 children — but still had the most children affected overall given the state’s population. 
• Projected trends: If current trends continue, 4.3 million children will be affected by 2030. This would also mean an added $400 billion in spending over their lifetime on health care, criminal justice, and welfare. 
• Priority strategies: The report lists 10 strategies to help kids, including increasing the availability of mental health services.