Substance Abuse in Inyo, California
Inyo County faces severe substance abuse challenges, with mortality rates more than double the state average at 40.7 per 100,000 residents compared to California’s 17.3. The situation is particularly dire for the American Indian population, whose opioid-related emergency department visits reach 147.9 per 100,000, far exceeding state averages. Males in the county experience higher substance use disorder rates at 23.3 per 100,000 compared to females at 13.1.
While Inyo County Health and Human Services provide essential services through their Bishop facility, including MAT programs, mental health services, and SUD care coordination with sliding fee scales and insurance acceptance, the county severely lacks comprehensive treatment infrastructure. The absence of residential treatment programs, sober living facilities, and comprehensive outpatient services creates significant barriers to recovery.
This treatment gap, combined with the county’s elevated substance use rates, poses a particular challenge for residents who cannot access care outside the county, especially affecting vulnerable populations and those with limited resources. The center’s 24/7 crisis intervention and specialized programs for seniors and trauma survivors, while valuable, cannot fully address the substantial need for more comprehensive treatment options within the county.