WASHINGTON — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that more than 107,000 people died from drug overdoses in the United States last year.
What you need to know: Biden administration officials are meeting with families who have lost loved ones as part of Overdose Awareness Week.
More than 107,000 people died from drug overdoses in the United States last year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Overdose deaths fell 7.5% in the 12 months ended March 31, according to preliminary data.
Biden's 2025 budget calls for $22 billion to expand substance use treatment and recovery services
Preliminary data showed overdose deaths fell 7.5% in the 12 months to March 31. But while there has been progress, there is still a long way to go, said Rahul Gupta, director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy.
“We see you,” he said, “and we grieve with you. We are working every day to make sure the country has the resources we all need to end this crisis.”
During Drug Overdose Awareness Week, officials from President Joe Biden's administration are meeting with families who have lost loved ones to highlight steps they've taken to address the epidemic, including making over-the-counter available naloxone to reverse drug overdose, removing barriers to prescribing medications to treat opioid use disorder and adding new drug detection systems at ports of entry.
“It's important that we take an approach that supports people across the country in getting treatment while at the same time holding bad actors accountable,” Gupta said.
Biden's fiscal 2025 budget calls for $22 billion to expand substance use treatment and recovery services.
The Northern Kentucky Health Department, which distributes naloxone and other harm reduction supplies through kiosks and a mail-in service, said it saw nearly 50 suspected overdoses in one month this summer, three of which were fatal.
Harm reduction health educator Gabi Deaton said authorities responded to the surge by holding pop-up events near areas where overdoses were reported and distributing supplies such as naloxone.
“This is really about educating the community, reducing stigma and getting these harm reduction supplies into the hands of as many people as possible who are willing to carry them,” she said.
Deaton is also a photographer whose annual Black Balloon Project showcases images and stories of people and their families who have died from drug overdoses. She has been in recovery for 13 years.
“I've overdosed twice, the first time when I was 18 and the second time when I was 19, and both times naloxone saved my life,” she said. “So for me, this is really a … full circle moment. Without naloxone, I wouldn't be here advocating for other people's families.”
