23ABC In-Depth: Kern County sees an increase in the number of overdose deaths 31% increase over the year prior Posted: 3:25 PM, May 05, 2021 Updated: 2021-05-05 20:24:55-04 Since last spring the Kern County Coronerâs Office says thereâs been an increase in the number of overdose deaths county-wide. The data suggests more people have struggled with substance abuse during the pandemic. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) â 2020 was a difficult year for many people but it proved especially hard for recovering addicts. In Kern County, drug overdoses took a massive jump. Overall the United States saw a 28 percent increase in drug overdoses during the pandemic. Data collected shows an increase from mid-2019 to mid-2020 and accounts for parts of that year where people were most isolated due to COVID-19 restrictions.