# US opioid overdose death rate declines

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-opioid-overdose-death-rate-declines
> Updated: 2026-08-24T19:17:32.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

Various regions in the United States are reporting declines in opioid-related deaths, attributed to expanded harm reduction efforts and training.

In New Bedford, Massachusetts, fatal overdoses decreased from 84 in 2022 to 43 in 2024. Local advocates suggest that increased Narcan training and wider public availability of the anti-overdose drug are driving this decline, even as police reports show a decrease in recorded Narcan uses.

In Kentucky, overdose deaths fell to 1,110 in 2025, representing a nearly 23% annual drop. This trend is linked to the Kentucky Statewide Opioid Stewardship program, which utilizes peer support specialists to provide recovery coaching and treatment referrals. Similarly, Oakland County, Michigan, reported a 37% decrease in overdose deaths between 2023 and 2024, supported by the distribution of over 2,300 Narcan kits.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-24: Opioid overdose deaths decline in Kentucky and Michigan

Overdose deaths are declining in Kentucky and Michigan as peer support, Narcan distribution, and stewardship programs continue to drive harm reduction and recovery efforts.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/opioid-overdose-deaths-decline-in-kentucky-and-michigan

### 2026-08-17: New Bedford reports decline in opioid deaths amid Narcan training

Advocates in New Bedford, Massachusetts, credit increased Narcan training and distribution with a significant decline in local opioid-related deaths between 2022 and 2024.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-bedford-reports-decline-in-opioid-deaths-amid-narcan-training

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Cite as: US opioid overdose death rate declines. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-opioid-overdose-death-rate-declines