What's behind Virginia's nearly 50 percent drop in fentanyl overdose deaths
Table of Contents
Virginia has experienced a significant decrease in fentanyl overdose deaths, with numbers declining by nearly 50 percent last year. This reduction ranks as the second-highest drop nationwide, behind only West Virginia, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Wednesday, the state's Joint Health Commission received a briefing on the factors driving down fentanyl deaths.
According to the State Health Department, fentanyl deaths dropped by roughly 44 percent between 2023 and 2024, returning to pre-pandemic levels.
"There's no one who has pointed to any specific or single strategy. I think there's a lot of value in the approach that Virginia has taken and implementing many strategies across the fronts," said Jen Piva-Renna, Joint Commission on Health Care Analyst.
The data indicates that increased education, expanded naloxone distribution, medications for opioid use disorders, and peer support systems appear to be effective strategies.
Click here to continue reading on WTVR.com, a Henrico Citizen partner organization.
