overdose

There were about 97,000 overdose deaths in year that ended June 30, according to provisional CDC data. That's a 14% decrease from the previous 12-month period.

Nationwide overdose deaths have declined. That's according to NPR. But, how is Florida faring in the opioid crisis? WUFT’s Sofia Zarran has more.

NPR exclusive: After decades of devastating increases driven by fentanyl and other street drugs, overdose deaths are dropping sharply in much of the U.S. The trend could mean roughly 20,000 fewer deaths in 2024.

In Manatee County, a drone delivery system recently started to speed up the arrival of lifesaving treatment for medical emergencies in which every second counts.

According to a Florida Department of Law Enforcement report, total drug-related deaths, opioid-caused deaths and deaths caused by fentanyl were all down in the first half of 2023.

For years, addiction response teams have traveled around Florida to connect people who have overdosed on opioids with resources and recovery centers. Now, a handful have a new tool in their kit.

The State Board of Education is slated this week to approve a proposal that would require public colleges to have supplies of emergency opioid antagonists in residence halls and dormitories.

The researchers found that between 2020 and 2022, the percentage of overdose deaths with evidence of smoking rose 74%. Meanwhile, the percentage of deaths with evidence of injection fell 29%.

A report cites CDC data showing that in 2022 Florida saw a 2.6% decrease in drug overdoses. One of the largest drops came out of Brevard.

Addiction treatment experts hope to increase access to the medication, which can reverse opioid overdoses. But hurdles remain: cost and stigma.