Missouri Sees Hopeful Drop in Drug Overdose Deaths

Missouri has seen a significant drop in drug overdose deaths for the second year in a row. In 2024, the state reported 1, 450 deaths, a 25. 6% decrease from the previous year. This positive trend is seen across all regions, with Central Missouri experiencing the largest decline at 37%. Experts believe that increased awareness and easier access to treatment have played a big role in this improvement. Heather Harlan, a health program coordinator, noted that people are becoming more cautious with their drug use. She also emphasized the importance of buying substances only from licensed sellers due to the widespread presence of fentanyl in various drugs. Opioid-related deaths have decreased by 10%, but stimulants are still a major concern. In the central region, deaths involving both opioids and stimulants dropped significantly, as did deaths from stimulants alone. Fentanyl-related deaths also saw a notable decline. Despite the progress, the numbers are still high. The Midwest's mortality rate from overdoses has dropped, but it's still a serious issue. Harlan stressed the need for continued efforts to bring these numbers down further. The availability of naloxone, a medication that reverses opioid overdoses, has been a game-changer. The Department of Health and Senior Services credits this, along with other factors, for the decline in deaths. They are hosting a Save a Life training event to educate the public on how to use naloxone. While the trend is promising, there's still much work to be done. Every life lost to an overdose is a tragedy, and the fight to prevent these deaths continues.