Southwest Missouri experienced a notable decrease in the number of overdose deaths in early 2024 –from 130 deaths through the first six months of 2023 to 100 during the same period in 2024.

Statewide, 802 people died as a result of overdose from all drug types during the first six months of 2024, down 23 percent from the 1,048 overdose deaths recorded during the same period in 2023.

According to a 2024 report from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, opioid -related overdose deaths fell from 777 deaths to 523 deaths statewide – a 30 percent drop. Fentanyl-related fatalities, according to the report, declined from 732 to 472.

Several factors have contributed to the state’s dramatic drug overdose decline. One is the increased availability of the live-saving drug naloxone, marketed as Narcan® nasal spray, is used to reverse opioid overdoses by blocking the effects of opiates on the brain and restoring breathing and preventing the slowing or stopping of the victim’s breathing.

Getting Narcan in people’s hands is pivotal. While safe and effective, the reversal drug only works if a person has opiates in his or her system. Public awareness and education about the proper use of the drug and encouraging providers to have it readily available have proven instrumental to saving lives.

Additionally, destigmatizing addiction and encouraging those who struggle with it to ask for help can only help reverse the rate of overdose deaths. The availability of medication assisted treatments, such as synthetic opioid buprenorphine, used to treat opioid cravings – has also proven beneficial.

Remember – education is the best way to keep overdose deaths down and to reduce stigma.