Governor Andy Beshear emphasizes ongoing battle against drug overdose deaths despite significant decline in Kentucky

Andy Beshear shared that in 2023, the number of drug overdose deaths in Kentucky went down by almost 10%. This is the second year in a row that there has been a decrease in overdose deaths, showing progress in the fight against addiction. The total number of fatal overdoses in the state dropped below 2,000. Officials believe this decline is due to a combined effort involving treatment, prevention, and law enforcement seizing illegal drugs. Fentanyl, a strong synthetic opioid, was the main cause of overdose deaths, accounting for 79% of cases in 2023. Efforts are being made to address the distribution of fentanyl by imposing stricter penalties when it leads to fatal overdoses. Methamphetamine use also played a significant role in fatal overdoses. The age group with the highest number of overdose deaths in 2023 was people aged 35 to 44, with 571 deaths, showing a 13% decrease from the previous year. Plans are in place to collaborate with community partners and leaders to reverse this trend by increasing education and outreach efforts. In 2022, Kentucky saw a 5% decrease in overall drug overdose deaths compared to the previous year. The state has been praised for having a high number of residential drug and alcohol treatment beds per capita, showing a commitment to addressing substance abuse issues. The 2023 Kentucky Overdose Fatality Report provides detailed information compiled by various agencies, including the Office of Vital Statistics and the State Medical Examiner.