Oregon and Florida Report Sharp Drops in Opioid Overdose Deaths

Preliminary data from the Oregon Health Authority show that the state recorded about 1,100 overdose deaths in 2025, down from over 1,500 in 2024 and 1,800 in 2023 – the first year‑over‑year decline since 2016. More than 90% of Oregon deaths involved fentanyl, methamphetamine or a combination, and the decrease is linked to state investments in harm‑reduction supplies such as naloxone, grants to behavioral‑health providers, and $90 million in settlement funds for recovery groups.

In Florida, the interim 2025 Drugs in Deceased Persons Report indicates opioid deaths fell 42% and fentanyl deaths 46% between January and June, with overall drug‑related deaths down 19%. Governor Ron DeSantis credited the State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication (SAF E) program, which has led to nearly 3,000 arrests, seizures of over 600 lb of fentanyl and millions of dollars in cash. Harm‑reduction initiatives—including widespread naloxone distribution and de‑criminalized fentanyl test strips—also contributed to the decline, according to local advocates. Nationally, CDC data show U.S. overdose deaths dropped about 14% in 2025, the lowest level since 2019.