By Deba Uwadiae and Taiwo Akinlami

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has announced a drop in drug overdose death in the state by 9% in 2023 against 5% in the previous year. It was 2% drop at national level.

The Ohio Department of Health (ODH)’s 2023 Ohio Unintentional Drug Overdose Report, released Wednesday, October 30, 2024 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 the leadership of Governor 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,” Governor DeWine said.

“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 has now 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. Together, in coordination with agencies like ODH, the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS), the Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS), and other partners, Ohio has implemented a whole-of-government approach to combatting 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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