Overdose deaths in Kentucky have decreased for the second year in a row, according to Governor Andy Beshear.
Behsear announced Thursday that 2023 saw a 9.8% decrease compared with the previous year.
According to the 2023 Kentucky Drug Overdose Fatality Report, 1,984 Kentuckians lost their lives last year to a drug overdose. Fentanyl accounted for 79.1%, and methamphetamine accounted for 55.2% of overdose deaths. The two continue to be the most prevalent drugs contributing to overdoses in the state. The report also indicates that 35- to 44-year-olds had the highest number of drug overdose deaths in 2023, at 571, which was a decrease of 13.4% from 2022.
The report continues Kentucky’s trend of declining overdose deaths.
In 2022, Kentucky’s drug overdose deaths declined by 5% compared with 2021, marking the first decline since 2018. Kentucky was one of only eight states to see a decrease in overdose deaths, while the nation saw a slight increase.
However, Governor Beshear noted there continues to be a concerning trend of increased overdose deaths among Black Kentuckians. The latest report shows that the increase has slowed by increasing 5% compared with 22% in the last report.
Treatment resources are available by calling the KY Help Call Center at 833-8KY-HELP (833-859-4357) to speak one-on-one with a treatment specialist.
Source: WBKO
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