NEW CASTLE – The Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Delaware, Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), the Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS), and the Delaware Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed a substantial decrease in drug deaths in calendar year 2024, down nearly 36% from the previous year.

The total confirmed number of drug deaths in 2024 was 338, compared with 527 in 2023 and 537 in 2022. Suspected drug deaths are published on the DHSS My Healthy Community website.  The DSHS Division of Forensic Science (DFS) publishes the confirmed count each quarter, based on toxicology analysis in the state laboratory that reviews post-mortem toxicology when a death is suspected to be drug related.

“Every life saved is a family kept whole, and this progress shows what’s possible when we lead with urgency, compassion, and real investment,” said Governor Matt Meyer. “Delaware is proving that with the right partnerships and persistence, we can turn the tide of the opioid crisis. I’m proud of the work happening across our state, and we will keep fighting until every Delawarean has the chance to live a full, healthy life.”

Delaware’s dramatic drug death reduction follows suit with similar decreases both nationally and in surrounding regional states.  According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the latest 12-month analyses (November 2023 – November 2024) indicates a 26.5% decline nationally in drug overdose deaths. Only four states had an increase in deaths during this period. During the same period, death rates dropped in New Jersey by 32%, in Pennsylvania by 31%, in Maryland by 29%, in Virginia by 42%, in Washington, D.C. by 33%, and New York by 32%.

“The drop in drug deaths in Delaware, the region, and in most states nationally is encouraging, but we need people to recognize the danger of the filler substances in street drugs,” said DHSS Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH) Director Joanna Champney. “Fentanyl is still a concern, but now we’re also very concerned with substances like medetomidine and other substances not meant for human consumption that can make people extremely sick and can result in death.”

State officials point to numerous factors for the decrease of drug deaths in Delaware, including wide-spread, targeted distribution of naloxone to high risk geographic areas; better access to addiction treatment and treatment navigation for people without insurance; changes in the way people are using drugs (less injection drug use, and more ingestion via smoking); widespread awareness and public health messaging campaigns about the dangers of opioids and information on how to access help; significant expansion of organizations trained to screen clients for opiate use disorder; expanding access to medications for opiate use disorder; and continued focus on previously incarcerated and unhoused individuals who are known to be at high risk for drug deaths.

Opioid overdoes were declared a Public Health Emergency in 2017 by President Trump and this designation remains in place. Overdose remains the leading national cause of death for Americans aged 18-44 in America.

Opioid abatement efforts such as the state’s Prescription Opioid Settlement Distribution Commission (POSDC), co-chaired by DSAMH Director Joanna Champney and Attorney General Kathleen Jennings, continue. The POSDC is set to award another $13 million in grants in June to continue supporting addiction response efforts.

“Every overdose is one too many, and we still have a long road ahead of us — but we are also seeing real progress,” said Attorney General Kathy Jennings. “This is a staggering reduction in the opioid epidemic’s death toll and a testament to the dedication of our community groups, public health agencies, first responders, and state leaders who have prioritized this work. I am tremendously proud of our work to hold Big Pharma accountable for the devastation that the opioid crisis has wrought in our state, and I am in awe of the on-the-ground work that has made this progress possible. Our job now is to double down and keep up the pressure. We have some of the best people and organizations in the country devoted to this fight, and we will not rest until overdose deaths are eradicated in Delaware.”

DSAMH administers multiple Federal grants that support extensive addiction treatment and outreach. Funding supports state-run programs and services administered by community providers. The two largest grants are the State Opioid Response (SOR) grant ($38.5 million) and the (SUPTRS) grant ($12.8 million).

Delaware’s Behavioral Health Consortium (BHC), Chaired by Delaware Lt. Governor Kyle Evans Gay, said their efforts to continue advancing coordination and collaboration among state agencies treating addiction and mental health will continue.

“Delaware has taken strong, intentional steps to tackle the opioid crisis that has devastated communities across our state. And we’re seeing encouraging progress, thanks to the tireless commitment of our state agencies, healthcare professionals, advocates, and the Prescription Opioid Settlement Distribution Commission (POSDC), who collectively ensure that Delaware communities have the resources they need to support those affected. The results being shared are promising, but we know there’s still more to do. We must continue advancing prevention and recovery efforts so that one day we can say Delaware has overcome this crisis. I’m proud to partner with our state’s health leaders to help make our shared vision of a healthier Delaware a reality,” said Lt. Governor Kyle Evans Gay

For more information about accessing addiction treatment, please visit https://www.helpisherede.com.

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