Latest news with #OverdoseDataDashboard
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Maryland overdose deaths fell 30% in 2024, preliminary national data shows
Two tranquilizers, xylazine and medetomidine, increasingly appear alongside opioids like fentanyl in Maryland drug samples. (Ian Round/Capital News Service) Maryland recorded 746 fewer overdose deaths in 2024 than in 2023, a 29.2% drop that mirrored a sharp decline nationally, according to preliminary data released Wednesday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The decline – from 2,493 in 2023 to 1,747 in 2024 in Maryland – continues a promising trend that indicates that overdose prevention efforts have been effective, federal health officials said. The trend began in 2023, when deaths nationally fell 10% from the year before, and in Maryland they fell 6.16%. Maryland's slightly outpaced the national decline last year, when overdose deaths fell an estimated 25.6% from 2023, according to the CDC's annual Provisional Drug Overdose Death Counts released Wednesday. While the data suggests a significant improvement, federal health officials say there more work to be done to prevent overdose deaths nationwide – including in Maryland. 'Despite these overall improvements, overdose remains the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18-44, underscoring the need for ongoing efforts to maintain this progress,' the CDC said in a written statement. Last year, there were more than 79,500 people who died from overdoses across the United States, according to the new estimates, down from the 106,881 people who died from overdose in 2023. CDC says Maryland, and most of the nation, has had fewer overdose deaths in 2024 'Since late 2023, overdose deaths have steadily declined each month — a strong sign that public health interventions are making a difference and having a meaningful impact,' the CDC said. It was a shift from 2018 through 2023, when the United States struggled with an increasing number of deaths due to overdoses, partially fueled by the rise in opioid use and increased prevalence of stronger substances such as fentanyl. Other factors included increased drug use during the COVID-19 pandemic. The decrease that began in 2023 is believed to be the result of greater overdose prevention efforts, such as increased education and distribution of the opioid overdose-reversal drug, naloxone. The substance leading to the most overdose deaths still appears to be opioids, in both the U.S. and in Maryland. Maryland's Overdose Data Dashboard says that through the first three months of this year, from January through March, there were 283 deaths due to overdose. Of those cases, opioids were involved in 233 deaths, with 209 deaths related specifically to fentanyl. There were also more than 1,393 emergency room visits related to opioid overdose from January through March, according to the dashboard. While Maryland's decrease was steep, and sharper than the national average, it more or less fell in the middle of the pack when compared to other states. Neighboring West Virginia was estimated to have the steepest decline in overdose deaths among states, falling 42.4%, from 1,389 deaths in 2023 to 800 in 2024. Washington, D.C., also showed a greater drop in its overdose death rate than Maryland. District overdose deaths fell from 635 in 2023 to 396 last year, a 37.6% decline. Just two states are estimated to have had increases in overdoses last year. South Dakota had an increase of 4.8% in overdose deaths, from 84 deaths in 2023 to 88 deaths in 2024, while Nevada saw 4.6% more deaths due to overdose, rising from 1,400 in 2023 to 1,465 in 2024. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Illinois overdose deaths down 8% in 2023
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WMBD) — The number of overdose deaths in Illinois saw a drop in 2023. According to Gov. JB Pritzker's office, the latest data shows that there were 3,502 drug overdose deaths in Illinois in 2023, which is 317 fewer than in 2022. The 8.3% drop is greater than the 4% nationwide average drop across the U.S. Opioid overdose deaths in Illinois also dropped 9.7% in the state, which is greater than the 3% it dropped nationally. How prevalent is the Opioid problem in central Illinois? The new data comes as the Illinois Department of Public Health unveiled an expanded Overdose Data Dashboard that shares more data and makes the tool easier for researchers and the public. He credits his 2022 State of Illinois Overdose Action Plan for the downward trend. The plan was centered around the three pillars of prevention, treatment and recovery, and response. 'My administration has worked closely with community providers, experts in the field, and people in recovery to produce a comprehensive statewide overdose response plan anchored in equity—and today's announcement reflects those efforts,' Pritzker said. 'From expanding overdose education and Naloxone distribution services to increasing access to recovery homes, we are seeing how our targeted investments are making a difference and saving lives.' During his latest budget address, Pritzker announced that the Illinois Department of Human Services could consolidate its mental health and substance use divisions into an integrated Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery in order to improve access to care. The merger would need to be approved by the general assembly. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Maryland sees ‘historic' decrease in overdose deaths in 2024
MARYLAND () –Last year, Maryland saw a sharp decrease In the number of overdose deaths, according to preliminary data from the state's Overdose Data Dashboard. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, deadly overdoses in the state reached historic highs. In 2021, in Maryland, the most in the state's history, according to the Office of the Governor. However, In 2024, 1,553 deadly overdoses were recorded, decrease from 2023, which saw 2,511 deaths. On Tuesday, Gov. Moore called the decrease in deaths 'historic,' as Maryland has not seen since 2015. Moore also said the reduction is a testament to the administration's investments in behavioral health and substance use care and the 'incredible efforts of people' around the state. In March 2024, the governor to establish behavioral health crisis stabilization centers, which provide 24/7 care for those needing mental health care or substance use treatment, in Maryland for the first time. Despite the progress, Moore emphasized that further progress is crucial. 'We are still losing far too many of our loved ones and neighbors to preventable overdoses, and we will not let up in our efforts to meet people where they are and make connections to care,' Moore said, in part. DMV communities provide resources as fentanyl cases remain high Data does indicate that overdose deaths decreased broadly across demographics and age groups, but minority communities and older age groups are still seeing disparities in overdose rates. According to the governor's office, despite making up of the state's population, non-Hispanic Black people accounted for 44% of all overdose deaths since 2022, with Black men 55 and older seeing the highest increase. In addition, since 2023, overdose deaths among Hispanics under the age of 25 have been higher than both non-Hispanic white people and non-Hispanic Black people in the same age group, . 'Substance use affects every community, and those struggling with addiction deserve quality care, no matter their background,' said Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller. 'The progress we've made in reducing overdoses is encouraging, but the data is clear—our work must continue to ensure that all communities have equitable access to care and the resources that they need to stay safe.' Officials noted that the final overdose numbers are pending as authorities conduct a 'small number' of death investigations. In 2024, most overdose deaths were Marylanders who are experiencing a behavioral health crisis or are struggling with substance use can call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 to speak to someone who can help. Residents can also visit the to find treatment providers nearby. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
04-02-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Maryland saw sharp decline in fatal overdoes in 2024, Gov. Moore says
BALTIMORE -- Maryland saw a dramatic decline in fatal overdoses in 2024, Governor Wes Moore said in a statement Tuesday. Data from Maryland's Overdose Data Dashboard shows 1,553 reported fatal overdoses in the state last year, which is a 38% decrease from the 2,511 fatal overdoses in 2023. "The decrease in fatal overdoses that we're seeing in Maryland is historic, and it's proof that our investments in behavioral health and substance use care and the incredible efforts of people all around our state are paying off," Moore said. "However, we still have work to do. We are still losing far too many of our loved ones and neighbors to preventable overdoses, and we will not let up in our efforts to meet people where they are and make connections to care." According to the governor's office, fatal overdoses saw a peak following the COVID-19 pandemic, with 2,800 deaths from fatal overdoses in 2021 - the most in Maryland's history. The last time that figure fell below 2,000 was in 2015 when the state saw 1,259 fatal overdoses, the governor's office said. Data shows demographic disparities Data from Maryland's Overdose Data Dashboard shows higher overdoses in minority communities. Non-Hispanic Black individuals accounted for 44% of overdose deaths in the state since 2022, and Black men older than 55 years of age saw the highest rate of increase in overdose deaths. 1,050 non-Hispanic Black men over the age of 55 died from an overdose during this time frame compared to 600 non-Hispanic white men, the governor's office reported. Overdose deaths among Hispanic residents under age 25 have surpassed those of both non-Hispanic white and Black residents in the same age group since 2023, according to the report. The governor's office said numbers in overdose data are pending the outcome of a few death investigations. In 2024, the Maryland Overdose Response Advisory Council chaired by Lt. Governor Miller, established a workgroup to study racial disparities in overdoses and formulate recommended actions. Baltimore City addresses the opioid crisis In December 2024, Mayor Brandon Scott released a draft of the city's plan to address opioid overdoses. The draft plan was released following an executive order that outlined how the city would use $242.5 million in settlements won from pharmaceutical companies, including Walgreens, CVS, Cardinal Health, Teva Pharmaceuticals, and Johnson & Johnson. The city plans to gather input from residents through community listening sessions, and an online form on how the epidemic can be solved. The city also drafted an Accountability and Transparency Plan that outlines efforts to track and share how the settlement funds are allocated and the impact that they have. The Baltimore Health Department said it plans to establish a new Division of Overdose Prevention and Harm Reduction, led by a deputy commissioner. The initiative includes increased investment in epidemiology, data collection, and essential services. A proposed supplemental budget will provide funding for administrative oversight, organizations named in settlement agreements, enhanced health department response efforts, and grant administration through the Mayor's Office of Recovery. Additional allocations support community engagement programs and the replacement of Druid Health Clinic. Getting assistance Marylanders who are struggling with substance use or are experiencing a behavioral health crisis are encouraged to call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, to speak with someone who can help. Individuals can also visit the 988 webpage to find treatment providers in their areas.
