A Ray of Hope: Declining Drug Overdose Deaths in MD and PA

This week, we have 3 articles covering the decline in drug overdose deaths in MD and PA.  Last year there were 74 fatal drug overdoses in Harford County — the lowest overdose fatality number the county has seen in seven years.  MD's Department of Health data shows that overdoses in 2023 at both the state and local levels were vastly due to opioids and fentanyl.  The rate of fatal overdoses has been declining in Harford since 2021 when the county had 96 total.  Within the past 10 years, Harford hit an all-time high of 101 fatal overdoses in 2018.  The state’s 10-year high was in 2021 when the number of fatal overdoses hit 2,800.  There were 2,576 fatal overdoses across the state in 2022.  In 2023, that number dropped to 2,511.  A commentator to the Aegis shared the following: A major factor in the reduction of fatal overdoses is the increased availability of naloxone (Narcan), the medicine that can quickly reverse a fentanyl, heroin, or opioid overdose.  The substantial increase in the number of state-certified peer recovery specialists,(CPRS) and community health workers also contributes to the reduction of fatal overdoses and the increase in the number of people with substance use disorders who are entering detox, treatment, and sober living/recovery housing.  Addiction Connections Resource, the UM Upper Chesapeake Medical Center in Aberdeen, the Klein Family Center, and other groups have proactive peer recover specialists who work to reduce overdoses and provide genuine opportunities for people to recover and rebuild their lives and families.  Statewide and national surveys show that more than 50% of us know someone — a family member, co-worker, neighbor, friend, other personal connection — who has a substance issue.  Familiarity breeds understanding and often empathy.  As we work together, as a community, to further reduce all overdoses, it’s important that we know that there have been major advancements in other ways to reduce substance misuse and addiction. There are now more evidence-based treatment options and more effective medications to end and reduce cravings. Together, we can stem the tide of drug addiction.  From msn.com: Per the most recent CDC data, there was a 10% decline in the number of overdose deaths nationally over a 12-month period ending in April.  Pennsylvania saw a 19% decrease in drug overdose deaths in that timeframe.  Here are the links: Lowest number of fatal overdoses in seven years reported in Harford – Baltimore Sun and Positive news in the fight against drug overdoses | READER COMMENTARY – Baltimore Sun and Philadelphia overdose deaths drop for first time in 5 years (msn.com)