Ohio saw a 9% drop in unintentional drug overdose deaths in 2023

COLUMBUS, OHIO (WLIO) - Ohio is outpacing the nation in reducing the number of unintentional overdose deaths. State leaders announced that overdose deaths dropped 9% in 2023 compared to the United States falling 3% from the previous year. Governor Mike DeWine says the drop in deaths is because of three key factors. Ohio law enforcement taking drugs off the street, the increased number of counselors and treatment programs, and the availability of naloxone kits. 

“While we celebrate this accomplishment, we know that our work is far from over. We also know that families continue to suffer who have lost loved ones. We also know we have other families struggling with someone in their family to try and help them deal with their addiction, and that weighs very heavily on the family members. Every overdose death represents a son, daughter, sister, brother, mother, father. We owe it to every Ohio family, every person struggling with addiction to continue this battle and to continue to do the things we are doing,” says Gov. Mike DeWine. 

The availability of getting Naloxone kits from places like the county health departments has been key in reducing overdose deaths. Last year, Ohio handed out over 291 thousand kits and has created other ways to get free Naloxone. 

“We have also launched www.naloxone.ohio.gov. That website is a website where any Ohioan can request free Naloxone to be mailed directly to their home. This resource allows people to order fentanyl test strips. Providing an additional tool to prevent overdoses and support safer decision-making. Those fentanyl test strips help keep people alive so they have a chance to find treatment and experience what life is like living in recovery,” says Aimee Shadwick, Director, RecoveryOhio.  

DeWine says so far 2024 looks like it could continue the trend of reducing overdose deaths in the state, but those numbers will not be complete until the middle of 2025.