Overdose deaths down sharply in US, local advocates say work remains

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — According to new data from the CDC, 2024 saw the largest single-year drop in opioid overdose deaths. 

This comes after prevalence of the synthetic opioid fentanyl led overdoses to spike in recent years. 

The new data shows that 80,000 Americans died from overdoses last year. That’s down 27% from the year before—in North Carolina, it’s down 29%. 

“We realized through these last couple of years that this is not something that’s going away,” Coastal Horizons Clinical Director Rachel Krouse said, who partially attributes the shift access to care and initiatives from federal, state, and local government. 

“And we’re talking about it more,” Krouse added. “So that education, both in terms of people seeking treatment, but (also) family members, loved ones who are hearing more about it and knowing where people can get support is huge.” 

Likely the biggest factor is the availability of naloxone—also known by its brand name—Narcan. 

Narcan is a single-use nasal spray that can rapidly reverse the effects of an overdose. 

Approved for use in the US in 2015, Narcan is now commonly found in schools, doctors offices, and with first responders. 

“It’s not just them. We have community members, pastors now that are carrying Narcan,” Jason Black noted.  

Black works as the Adult Residential Community Treatment Services Director at Coastal Horizons. He says the way service providers approach treatment and outreach has also shifted. 

One example is Coastal Horizon’s peer program, where people who’ve gone through treatment encourage others to do the same. 

“And so that’s a huge benefit to their community,” Black explained. “They are able, no matter what their education level is, to serve the community and help guide people through the process from the lens of having lived it.” 

Although the number of overdose deaths are down last year, they are still higher than pre-pandemic levels. Overdoses remain the leading cause of death for people aged 18-44. 

“Every number is still a person,” Krouse said. “And so, we want those declines to continue, we want access to care to increase, we want Narcan to be accessible, and we don’t want to lose sight that this is still a very important topic.” 

If you or someone you know experiences an overdose, or needs help with recovery, you can contact Coastal Horizon’s Quick Response Team, who will come to you. 

You can reach the Quick Response Team at (910) 833-2052.