SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A new report shows a promising trend nationwide: drug overdose deaths are on the decline, but what does that mean for us here in NEPA?
28/22 News Reporter Julie Dunphy spoke with the Lackawanna County Coroner to find out if this national trend is taking root locally, and what's behind the shift.
In Lackawanna County, the coroner says the trend is cautiously encouraging, but fentanyl remains a major threat.
For years, the drug overdose crisis has devastated communities across the country.
But now, a glimmer of hope on the year-to-year plunge in drug overdose deaths.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), preliminary data shows overdose deaths in the United States dropped by nearly 27% in 2024 from 2023.
Across the commonwealth, those numbers are even greater at 31%.
With more than 4,870 drug overdose deaths in PA in 2023, down to 3,358 predicted cases last year.
In Lackawanna County, Coroner Timothy Rowland has been tracking the local impact.
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Drug overdose deaths dropped by more than 30% from 62 in 2023 to 43 last year.
"Definitely a decrease, maybe we don't see that as is as prevalent as it is actually dropping because we're still picking up one a week, it goes on and on, but statistically it is down," Rowland explained.
Efforts like expanded naloxone distribution, community education, and increased funding for treatment have all contributed to the shift.
Still, Rowland, the synthetic opioid fentanyl, remains the deadliest drug involved in overdoses.
"The fentanyl that we're talking about is the fentanyl that comes from China or Mexico or wherever it comes across the border. That fentanyl is made in clandestine laboratories offshore, there's no consistency to what it is, so you really don't know what you're getting," Rowland added.
Experts say this decline is a hopeful sign, but not a signal to slow down.
Public health officials emphasize continued vigilance, access to care, and support for recovery.
In Lackawanna County, the fight is far from over.
"The reason I think is that, that the community of drug users are, appeared to me, like they're certainly maybe, be smarter users where they're being more careful on what they take," Rowland continued.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, help is available.
You can call the Pennsylvania Get Help Now hotline at 1-800-662-HELP.
