Chronicle news service
Oregon’s overdose deaths decreased 22% between December 2023 and December 2024, a trend similar to that experienced nationwide, according to provisional Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data.
The count is still much higher than pre-pandemic years, with 1,480 deaths within that one-year time span, CDC data show. The preliminary data signify a decrease in fatal and nonfatal overdoses in Oregon from 2023 to 2024.
The decreasing trend is likely due to a combination of factors, including strengthened substance use treatment infrastructure, naloxone distribution and education, prevention programs, and changes in the illicit drug supply with less fentanyl overall. This is good news, officials say, but work to reduce drug use and overdose is as important as ever.
While a decrease in overdose deaths is notable, Oregon’s substance use and overdose rates represent an ongoing and complex public health crisis created by multiple social, economic and systemic factors. Implementing a population health approach includes both upstream and downstream initiatives that can decrease substance use initiation and promote improved quality of life among Oregonians.
Some specific investments that are contributing to Oregon’s decrease in overdoses include:
• Behavioral Health Regional Networks (BHRNs): Funded by cannabis tax revenue and Drug Treatment and Recovery Services Funds, BHRNs received $414 million to tailor programming across six areas: screening and assessment, harm reduction, housing services, SUD treatment, supported employment, and peer support services. Engagement has steadily increased in these categories since 2022.
• Investment in Peer Support Services: Oregon’s peer services provide guidance from those with lived recovery experiences, fostering connection, reducing stigma, and empowering individuals. Programs focus on harm reduction, recovery planning, and healthy relationships, available in every county.
• Save Lives Oregon Harm Reduction Clearinghouse: The Clearinghouse supports organizations addressing the fentanyl crisis, growing from six initial agencies to over 380 across the state, partnering with diverse groups to engage with community members in various settings.
• Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs): Oregon has expanded OTPs, now including 27 full-service sites, two medication units, and four mobile units, with nine new sites added recently.
• Residential Treatment Capacity: Increase residential treatment capacity statewide. Currently, 260 beds for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and 41 beds for withdrawal management are in development.
