Kentucky sees 30% dip in overdose deaths, 3rd straight year with a decrease

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- New data shows a steep drop last year in overdose deaths in Kentucky.

The 2024 Kentucky Drug Overdose Fatality Report, released by the governor's office Thursday, shows 1,410 Kentuckians lost their lives last year to a drug overdose. That's a 30.2% decrease compared with 2023.

"I am thankful that more Kentuckians are alive and in recovery today compared with last year," Gov. Andy Beshear said in a news release Thursday. "But we still mourn and grieve our 1,410 Kentuckians who lost their life last year to addiction and the many more who we lost before that. Every life lost is a child of God, and someone’s mom, dad, son, daughter and loved one. We won’t stop until every Kentuckian is saved from addiction."

The report said fentanyl was present in more than 62% of overdose deaths, and meth was present in more than 50%. The two continue to be the most prevalent drugs contributing to overdose deaths in the state.

The 30% decrease is larger than the 9% seen from 2022 to 2023. This is the third straight year of a decrease in overdose deaths in Kentucky.

"Today’s announcement is made possible by every state agency, local community, health department, addiction treatment program and advocate who has put politics aside and fought for our Kentuckians to obtain recovery," Van Ingram, executive director of the Office of Drug Control, said in a news release. "Thank you for moving Kentucky forward and doing this good work. If you are a family member of one of the Kentuckians who lost their lives to an overdose last year, we are praying for you and will continue this work in your loved one’s honor."

Millions of dollars have been poured into prevention and recovery efforts over the past several years. You can read the full 2024 Kentucky Drug Overdose Fatality Report below:

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