Drug overdoses slightly down but still remain high

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – Data from the CDC shows that drug overdoses have been decreasing across the U.S. after a steady increase from 2019 to 2021.

The Chief Medical Officer with the CDC released a statement saying that data is showing a decrease in drug overdoses over the 12 month period through December 2023. The center says this shows that they are making progress to prevent deaths from drug overdoses but they said the decrease does not mean they accomplished their mission.

The data shows that more than 100,000 people died last year showing that Americans are still losing their friends and family members to drug overdoses.

Vice President Chelsea Bryant with the Gándara Center says their organization actively works towards reducing drug overdoses and deaths through their addiction recovery program, “Services are really important to help support individuals in recovery or in early addiction and looking to come in recovery. It is also great to continue to have these services to promote and decrease the stigma regarding substance use and mental health.”

The Gándara Center has an outpatient clinic that offers individual and group counseling regarding substance use. Bryant told 22News that they also have recovery coaches and support navigators that works with patients who are struggling. She says the center constantly works towards bringing the number of drug overdoses down.

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Kiara Smith is a reporter who has been a part of the 22News team since March 2023. Follow Kiara on X @KiaraBSmith1 and view her bio to see more of her work.

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