Overdose deaths fall by 24%, CDC says

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released provisional data predicting a nearly 24% decline in U.S. drug overdose deaths for the 12 months ending in September 2024 compared with the prior year. This data shows a continued steep decrease in overdose deaths, falling to around 87,000 from October 2023 to September 2024 compared with 114,000 the previous year. This is the fewest overdose deaths in any 12-month period since June 2020, resulting in more than 70 lives saved every day. The agency attributes the decline to its public health investments, improved data and laboratory systems for overdose response and state partnerships with public safety colleagues. However, overdose remains the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18-44, highlighting the importance of sustained efforts. (CDC news release, 2/25/25)