Virginia sees nation's second-largest drop in overdose deaths
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Virginia had the second-largest drop in overdose deaths in the country last year, according to preliminary CDC data released last week.
The big picture: For over a decade, fatal drug overdoses have been the leading cause of unnatural deaths statewide.
- And Richmond has consistently had one of the highest overdose death rates in the state.
- But for the past few years, Virginia's fatal drug overdose rates have fallen faster than the U.S. average.
By the numbers: Over 1,500 Virginians died from drug overdoses in 2024, per CDC estimates.
- That's a nearly 39% drop from 2023.
- The only state with a greater decline in overdose deaths was West Virginia (-44%).
Stunning stat: The Virginia Department of Health, which released its own preliminary 2024 numbers reporting a slightly smaller drop last month, also noted a 44% drop in fentanyl deaths in the same time frame.
- Fentanyl is still involved in the majority of drug overdose deaths, per VDH data.
Caveat: CDC and VDH data isn't final, and could change in the coming months as more death investigations are completed and the causes reported.
Between the lines: The decline has been partially attributed to more people carrying the overdose reversal spray Narcan, and increased availability of paper test strips that detect fentanyl in illicit or counterfeit drugs.
- These can reduce fatal overdoses when people unknowingly consume fentanyl-laced pills that look like prescription drugs.
- There are also more opioid treatment programs or providers of buprenorphine, a treatment that reduces the risk of future overdoses.
- But they still don't reach many areas most in need.
What we're watching: Doctors and academic experts warn a Trump administration budget proposal that would cut health services threatens this decline.
Go deeper: Overdose deaths drop to lowest level since before the pandemic