‘Unprecedented’ decline in US drug overdose deaths gives experts hope - eviltoast
A new report states fatalities had decreased by 10% as of April 2024 while 911 first-responder calls were 16.7% lower

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.

  • Samvega@lemmy.blahaj.zoneEnglish
    171·
    3 months ago

    While the reasons for the decline are not immediately clear, researchers and those on the frontlines believe it is driven by changes in the drug supply as well as improved access to treatment and harm reduction programs. […]

    But she also highlighted the continued – and increasingly unequal – death toll from the overdose crisis when it comes to who in society is affected the most.

    “It’s also important to acknowledge that progress has not been equal for all groups,” she said. “Unfortunately, for the most affected groups, namely Native Americans and Black American men, the death rates are not decreasing and are at the highest recorded levels.”