New data shows record-low infant mortality, sharp drop in overdose deaths in North Carolina
RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — Newly released data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services shows significant improvements in health outcomes across the state, including a record-low infant mortality rate and a dramatic decline in overdose-related deaths in 2024.
According to the report, North Carolina’s infant mortality rate fell 8.7% from 2023 to 2024, dropping from 6.9 to 6.3 deaths per 1,000 live births — the lowest rate in state history. The improvement was driven in part by a 14.9% decline in neonatal deaths, indicating more babies are surviving the earliest and most vulnerable weeks of life.
State leaders pointed to expanded access to health care as a key factor behind the gains. Josh Stein highlighted the impact of Medicaid expansion and opioid settlement funding in improving public health outcomes.
“As Attorney General, I held big opioid drug companies accountable for their roles in sparking an addiction epidemic,” Stein said, noting that more than $1.4 billion secured through settlements is being reinvested into treatment, prevention, and recovery efforts statewide.
Since North Carolina expanded Medicaid, more than 700,000 residents have gained health coverage, improving access to prenatal and postpartum care. Officials say extending Medicaid coverage for new mothers to one year postpartum has also contributed to better outcomes for families.
Despite the progress, disparities remain. The data shows non-Hispanic Black infants continue to face mortality rates nearly three times higher than non-Hispanic white infants. State officials say initiatives like maternal health campaigns and rural health programs are ongoing efforts to address those gaps.
The report also revealed a sharp decline in overdose deaths, which dropped 34% from 4,442 in 2023 to 2,934 in 2024 — the first decrease since 2019. Opioid-related deaths alone fell more than 38% during that time.
Dev Sangvai, secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, called the trend a sign of progress.
“The decrease in deaths in North Carolina marks progress in building healthier communities and is a testament to what we can accomplish when we work together,” Sangvai said.
Health officials credit a combination of strategies for the decline, including expanded distribution of naloxone, increased access to medication-assisted treatment, and the growth of community-based behavioral health services. In 2024 alone, more than 150,000 doses of naloxone were distributed statewide.
Additional investments from the North Carolina General Assembly have strengthened mental health services, particularly for children, individuals in the justice system, and those in crisis.
Overall, statewide deaths declined for the third consecutive year following pandemic-era peaks, with 106,155 deaths recorded in 2024 — a 1.6% decrease from the previous year.
The report also noted that cancer became the leading cause of death for the first time since 2019, while chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity remain major contributors to mortality. Unintentional injuries, including overdoses, traffic crashes, and falls, continue to rank among the top causes of death.
Dr. Kelly Kimple, director of the Division of Public Health, said the data reflects both progress and ongoing challenges.
“While we are encouraged by these declines, there is still work to be done,” Kimple said. “We remain committed to improving health outcomes for everyone who calls North Carolina home.”
State health officials say efforts will continue to focus on expanding access to care and addressing disparities to ensure long-term improvements in public health statewide.
