Drug overdose deaths down in Ohio, but up in Lucas County

TOLEDO, Ohio —

According to the CDC, drug overdose deaths have declined over the past year, a promising trend not seen since 2018.

According to preliminary dataIn 2023, approximately 107,500 people died from drug overdoses, 3% fewer than the previous year.

“People see 3% and think, 'Is that really such a big deal?' I think a life is a big deal,” says Matt Bell, CEO and founder of Team Recovery, a Toledo-based organization that helps people with treatment services and recovery housing.

Bell believes Ohio is a leader in reducing overdose deaths.

RELATED: 'We've never seen a decline like this': Data shows overdoses falling in Ohio

Between April 2023 and April 2024 The state saw a nearly 20% drop in overdose deathsalmost twice as much as in the entire country during the same period.

“One of the biggest issues is providers stepping in and getting people access to care. It's not just about barriers to care, it's about whether it's even available. It's not just available, it's now available,” Bell said.

He added that the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department's educational efforts and free Narcan kits could also play a role. In 2023, the department distributed more than 15,000 naloxone kits.

“An important strategy is also to identify which parts of the county are most burdened and focus efforts there because that's where the immediate need is,” said Tony Dible, overdose prevention coordinator at TLCHD.

Dible says the numbers at the national and state level are encouraging, but do not indicate that the problem is going away.

Between 2022 and 2023, Lucas County saw a 6.5% increase in overdose deaths.

“The numbers are still too high in general. Lucas County saw a slight increase in deaths from 2022 to 2023, but I believe we are still below the post-COVID peak,” Dible said.

But Dible and Bell both say more can be done to further reduce overdose deaths, including providing more education and resources and improving treatment options.

TLCHD offers free Narcan to individuals in its lobby at 635 N. Erie St.

Lucas County residents can also order a free kit online Here.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, call the 24/7 crisis hotline at (419) 904-2273.