CDC reports decline in drug overdoses in Missouri

SPRINGFIELD, Missouri (KY3) – Signs of improvement in the national overdose crisis.

New state-level CDC data shows that both fatal and nonfatal overdose cases have declined in the Ozarks and across Missouri.

“An overdose can happen to anyone, anywhere,” said Julie Viele of the Springfield Greene County Health Department.

In May 2024, 16% fewer people died than in May 2023. The number of nonfatal cases fell by more than 28% during the same period. Springfield-Greene County Health Department leaders say the number of cases is also declining locally.

In many cases, the availability of Narcan has made a difference.

“I would say it is a factor in terms of there being a trend toward stabilization or decline in overdose rates,” Viele said.

The number of non-fatal cases reported to emergency rooms has also decreased, according to Bob Patterson, director of Mercy EMS.

“This decline is due in part to the Narcan medication leave-behind kits that we have been providing in this community for some time,” he said.

Efforts to combat overdoses in the community are not limited to Narcan.

“We also have an app called Revive. That's another tool that the health department launched in June 2023. It's a tool that provides step-by-step instructions on how to respond if someone has overdosed,” Viele said.

But the news is not all good. Officials say there is still much work to be done to combat the health crisis among the population.

Patterson said, “We're still seeing about 1 to 2 to 3 a day. In the past, there have been some spikes from time to time. Our partners in the community will communicate that very quickly so we're all prepared.”

“We still have high prevalence rates. Efforts must continue. We must continue to get naloxone into the hands of our community members and make everyone aware,” Viele said.

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