LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kentucky has seen its first decline in overdose deaths in about five years.
According to the 2022 Overdose Fatality Report, 2,135 Kentuckians died of an overdose last year; that is a decline of more than 5% compared to 2021 and the first decline since 2018.
“While we saw a decrease in overdose deaths last year, we must keep fighting, and that includes creating more services and support for Kentuckians in need,” Gov. Andy Beshear said. “I believe the first step to overcoming addiction takes a great deal of bravery."
Of the overdose deaths, 90% of them involved opioids; fentanyl continues to be the most prevalent drug responsible for them according to the report.
“Over the past year, we have heavily focused on increasing access to clinical care for those suffering from addiction while offering more harm reduction measures,” Van Ingram, executive director of the Office of Drug Control Policy, said. “These efforts have shown positive effects, but we must continue to be diligent in fighting this epidemic because it affects everyone everywhere in more ways than one.”
According to a news release, some of those efforts include the governor's recovery housing initiative which helps Kentuckians find suitable housing while they focus on rehabilitation; so far, 181 homes have been secured.
Other efforts include the Kentucky Recovery Housing Network, the Kentucky Opioid Response Effort and UNSHAME Kentucky.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention listed Kentucky as one of the few states to record a decline in overdose deaths.
"I'm really grateful that some change in the positive has been made," Marla Highbaugh, chief mission advancement officer for the Healing Place, said. "There's always more we can do, but to have a 5% move is really--that's encouraging."
Highbaugh said the push behind this trend is twofold.
"One is, anytime you can have conversations, reduce the stigma, you're opening up a whole conversation and the ability to reach someone who needs help," she said.
That includes the increase in accessibility to harm-reduction tools like Narcan and Fentantyl test strips.
"I think the second reason is probably post-COVID availability of resources," Highbaugh said.
While numbers have dropped, overdose deaths sit at a number double what it was a decade ago -- seeing it's peak during the height of the pandemic.
Tami Boblitt lost her son Chase to Fentanyl poisoning, during that peak period, in June 2021. She finds little solace in this year's report.
"You know, just thinking back to the call and when we got it, and it's just like I feel, reliving it all over again," Boblitt said. "The problem is so bad. We are still losing people in our community all the time. People are dying every day."
In 2022, 2,135 Kentuckians died of a drug overdose. The numbers, proof, Boblitt said, of the long road ahead.
"And this makes me sad, but sometimes I'm like 'how long will we keep fighting?' and most parents are like 'I don't think it's going to go away,'" Boblitt said.
Highbaugh said the substances will "come and go."
"And what is the highest point right now, what is the most popular that's being cut with fentanyl or has an access point for that could change next year," Highbaugh said.
If you are struggling with addiction, here are some resources:
- Call 833-8KY-HELP to find treatment options
- Visit findhelpnowky.org for information about treatment programs and providers
- Visit kentuckystatepolice.org to find help with locating an appropriate treatment program
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