Kentucky sees nearly 10% decline in overdose deaths

Kentucky’s overdose death rate decreased by 9.8% in 2023, marking the Commonwealth’s second-straight year of decline in overdose fatalities. A press conference was held on Thursday by Governor Andy Beshear and the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy, along with many other groups, to share findings from the 2023 Overdose Fatality Report.

The report concluded that 1,984 Kentuckians lost their lives to overdose in 2023, and of those fatalities, 79.1% contained fentanyl and 55.2% contained methamphetamine.

Kentucky is among eight states that reported a decline in overdose deaths. Overdose deaths across the nation decreased by 3% in 2023, which is the first time the United States has seen a decrease in five years. Read more about the national report published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention here.

“By working together, we have decreased the amount of drug overdose deaths in Kentucky, yet still far too many lives have been lost, and we still have a long way to go,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “From the far west to the far east of the commonwealth, we are creating a home where fewer children will know the pain of addiction and loss of a loved one to an overdose. We have remained committed to helping our families overcome addiction and celebrate our progress and renew that commitment today.”

The governor applauded many agencies and groups for their efforts and the effective programs that have been created to address substance use disorder in communities across Kentucky.

Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy Executive Director Van Ingram spoke on key resources that have been implemented to stop overdose deaths in the Commonwealth.

“We have made great progress this past year in providing treatment resources to more Kentuckians in different parts of the commonwealth,” Office of Drug Control Policy Executive Director Van Ingram said. “In 2023, 160,000 doses of Narcan were distributed, 3,920 calls were made to the KY HELP Call Center and 35,918 individuals utilized the 84 syringe service program sites. While all of this is cause for celebration, we must take a moment to grieve those lost and, in their names, keep working harder and being diligent in our approach, so we save more Kentuckians and their families.”

Watch the press conference here.

The Kentucky Chamber Foundation has played a leading role in addressing substance use disorder through policy and programmatic work to reduce barriers for individuals in need of a fair chance and businesses looking to provide meaningful employment through Kentucky Comeback. Learn more at Kentuckycomeback.com.

To view the 2023 Overdose Fatality Report, click here.