32 percent decrease in 2024
Preliminary data from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows a 32 percent drop in drug-related deaths in New York state last year compared to 2023.
An estimated 4,567 New Yorkers died of drug overdoses, compared to 6,688 in 2023. About 77 percent of the deaths involved an opioid such as heroin or fentanyl. There were two deaths in Putnam in 2024 and 38 in Dutchess as of Sept. 30.
Nationally, the U.S. marked its largest one-year decline in drug overdose deaths in 2024, according to the CDC, which has been tracking data for 45 years. An estimated 80,000 people died from overdoses last year — down 27 percent from the 110,000 in 2023. The previous largest drop was 4 percent in 2018.
New York State offers free fentanyl and xylazine test strips and the opioid antidote naloxone, paid for with opioid settlement funds. See dub.sh/harm-reduction. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, call 877-846-7369 for help.
The Associated Press contributed reporting.
