(ABC 36 NEWS NOW) — Drug overdose death rates in Kentucky are trending downward for the second year in a row as Gov. Andy Beshear released the 2023 Drug Overdose Death Report on Thursday.
This figure represents a 10% decrease from the previous year.
“While we are pleased that more lives have been saved, sadly 1,984 Kentuckians died from a fatal overdose last year,” said Gov. Beshear.
Governor Beshear released the report, emphasizing that while the number of drug overdose deaths is declining, a significant number of Kentuckians have already died from the disease.
“Fentanyl accounted for 79.1 percent of overdose deaths last year and methamphetamine accounted for 55.2 percent of overdose deaths,” Beshear said.
That’s because fentanyl has been found in more than 1,500 drug overdose deaths.
The 35-44 age group is the most affected, with the highest number of drug overdose deaths in 2023 at 571, but this represents a decrease of about 13% compared to the previous year.
“Not only did Kentucky experience fewer overdose deaths in 2022, but 2023 performed better than 2022. One of the best news stories in this report is how much better our state did than the rest of the country,” Beshear added.
Though the numbers are declining, black Kentuckians are one group that has seen an increase in drug overdose deaths.
In 2022, 259 people lost their lives, and in 2023, 264 people will lose their lives.
“Kentucky’s counter-narcotics programs announced they helped save lives by seizing 265,170 fentanyl pills and 208.3 pounds of fentanyl during fiscal year 2023. As you know, that’s enough to take the life of every Kentucky citizen,” Beshear added.
Counties with the most activity in terms of an increase in drug overdose deaths involving fentanyl included Fayette County, which saw 160 deaths.
Beshear added that while some progress has been made, there is still much work to be done, but he said he is proud of the work that continues to be done.
“Kentucky leads the nation in drug and alcohol treatment beds per capita — we have more beds and more access to treatment than any other state. And over the past decade we have experienced the third-lowest recidivism rate of any state,” said Governor Beshear.
Governor Beshear recently announced a website, secondchance.ky.gov, to help find resources for people looking to continue on the path to recovery, find work or pursue an education.
