While DAWN provides statistical estimates for the Nation as a whole, its strength lies in its ability to provide information for specific localities.

From 1988 to 2002, DAWN provided statistical estimates of drug-related ED visits for 21 metropolitan areas. The 21 areas were:

In addition, in 2002, DAWN published counts of drug-related deaths for 127 medical examiners and coroners (ME/Cs) in 38 metropolitan areas.