Overdose deaths drop in Kentucky for 3rd straight year; state leaders credit prevention efforts

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WDRB) -- The number of Kentuckians dying from drug overdoses has dropped for the third consecutive year, prompting a rare moment of celebration among state leaders who say the downward trend shows that prevention, treatment and recovery programs are working.

Gov. Andy Beshear and health officials announced Tuesday that overdose deaths dropped by more than 30% in 2024 compared to the previous year — from 1,984 deaths in 2023 to 1,410 in 2024, according to a new report from the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy.

"We are seeing lives saved, families kept whole and futures restored," Beshear said.

Fentanyl and methamphetamine continue to be the leading drugs involved in overdose deaths, with fentanyl detected in 62.3% of cases and meth in 50.8%, the report showed.

Tara Hyde, CEO of People Advocating Recovery and a person in long-term recovery herself, said the new data gives her "so much hope."

"We're hearing about people who are now survivors, people who are living lives of recovery," Hyde said. "That is the story we need to hold on to."

State officials credited a multi-pronged approach, including expanded access to naloxone (Narcan), community outreach, and drug interdiction. In 2024, Kentucky distributed 170,000 doses of Narcan — a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses.

"The answer to how many times we should bring someone back with Narcan is every single time," Beshear said.

The governor also signed the state's 2026 Drug Interdiction and Counterdrug Activities Plan, which supports the Kentucky State Police and National Guard in cracking down on illegal drug supply chains.

Van Ingram, director of the Office of Drug Control Policy, said the latest progress reflects years of coordinated work.

"This is an exciting day," Ingram said. "To say we've been waiting for it is wrong — we've been working for it."

Despite the progress, Hyde and others warned against complacency.

"There is always going to be a next substance," she said. "We need to focus on what's working — the resources, the programs, and the community collaborations."

For those battling addiction, help remains available 24/7 through a range of state and local recovery resources.

For more information, call KY HELP Call Center 833-8KY-HELP or click here.

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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