A new report states fatalities had decreased by 10% as of April 2024 while 911 first-responder calls were 16.7% lower

Experts have welcomed news of a reported drop in overdose deaths in the US and say they are cautiously optimistic about the downward trend, while warning that more work and extra resources will be needed to sustain progress.

Overdose deaths in the US have dropped by about 10%, the largest decline in decades – falling to an estimated 101,168 deaths annually as of April 2024, according to an analysis of state-level data.

Emergency room visits for overdose are down by 24% and 911 first-responder calls for overdoses are down by 16.7%. Some of the biggest changes are being seen in eastern states, while some states in the west are still struggling with higher rates.

  • @[email protected]
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    fedilink
    125 hours ago

    I feel like the wide and often free availability of narcan and improved quality of safer drugs like weed are making a difference.

    • Drunemeton
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      English
      23 hours ago

      Hell Yes! There’s been a huge ad campaign in my city about Narcan: how it works, how to spot symptoms, how to administer it, and where to get it for free.