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DeWine: Ohio’s overdose deaths drop for second year

Newly finalized data shows 9% decrease in overdose deaths from 2022-23

Photo Provided Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announces Wednesday newly verified data demonstrating that the number of overdose deaths in Ohio have dropped substantially for a second consecutive calendar year.

COLUMBUS — Gov. Mike DeWine announced Wednesday newly verified data demonstrating that the number of overdose deaths in Ohio dropped substantially for a second consecutive calendar year.

The Ohio Department of Health’s 2023 Ohio Unintentional Drug Overdose Report, released Wednesday, revealed a 9% decline in verified overdose deaths across the state. In 2023, Ohio recorded 4,452 unintentional drug overdose deaths, down from 4,915 in 2022.

The results underscore the progress of numerous state programs and resources implemented or expanded under DeWine with a combined aim of saving more lives and putting more people on a path toward recovery from addiction.

“When I became Governor in 2019, I made fighting drug addiction and preventing overdose deaths one of my administration’s top priorities,” DeWine said Wednesday at a news conference announcing the release of the report. “This new data shows that Ohio is on the right track, and the numbers have been getting more encouraging each of the past few years. But we also recognize that our work is far from complete — that every overdose death remains a tragedy. These results further sharpen our resolve to continue our fight to save more lives.”

The report shows that Ohio outperformed national overdose death trends for two years in a row. In 2023, Ohio’s 9% decrease in overdose deaths was better than the 2% decrease seen nationwide. In 2022, Ohio’s 5% decrease in overdose deaths was better than the 1% increase seen nationwide.

The report also shows Ohio is building momentum through the end of 2023 and into this calendar year. In 2023, there was a 24% decrease in the number of overdose deaths from the second quarter to the fourth quarter.

Under the DeWine Administration, Ohio has put into action one of the nation’s most comprehensive and aggressive strategies for fighting drug addiction and preventing overdose deaths.

One of his first actions upon taking office was to create the Governor’s RecoveryOhio initiative — which is dedicated to unifying state and local efforts to address substance use disorders and mental health challenges. In coordination with agencies like ODH, the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, the Ohio Department of Public Safety and other partners, Ohio has implemented a whole-of-government approach to combating the drug epidemic, with key areas of focus including intervention, treatment and enforcement.

“The 9% decrease in overdose deaths this year is an encouraging sign that our efforts are making a difference,” said Aimee Shadwick, director of RecoveryOhio. “Through initiatives like expanded naloxone distribution, harm reduction strategies, and comprehensive treatment and mental health services, we are saving lives and creating pathways to recovery. While we recognize this progress, we remain committed to continuing our work so that every Ohioan struggling with addiction has access to the support they need to live a healthier, safer life.”

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