May 22, 2025 - News
Tennessee overdose deaths fall as Narcan expands
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Overdose deaths are continuing to fall in Tennessee and across the nation, although the toll remains staggering.
State of play: There were an estimated 2,565 overdose deaths in last year in Tennessee according to preliminary CDC data.
- That's 32.5% fewer than the 3,799 deaths estimated in 2023. That's one of the steepest drops logged in the region.
Driving the news: Narcan, a drug that can reverse opioid overdoses, was made available over the counter in 2023. It is standard issue for first responders and available in other public places.
Zoom in: Other factors contributing to the decline could include increased availability of paper test strips that detect fentanyl in illicit or counterfeit drugs.
- These can reduce fatal overdoses when people take fentanyl-laced pills that look like prescription drugs.