FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - Kentucky officials are reporting the first statewide drop in drug overdose deaths since 2013.
A report issued Thursday says 1,333 people died from drug overdoses in 2018, down from a record 1,566 deaths the prior year. The decline follows years of steady increases in the death toll, driven mostly by surges in opioid abuse, heroin and fentanyl.
The report was issued by the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy.
Its executive director, Van Ingram, points to education and treatment programs along with other "harm-reduction" initiatives as factors in the lower death toll.
Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Secretary John Tilley says that while the numbers are "trending down," the state still faces "incredible challenges."
The report says the largest drop in fatal overdoses occurred in Jefferson County - Kentucky's most populous county.
Senator Mitch McConnell released the following statement:
“Kentucky has sadly been among the states hardest hit by the nationwide opioid and substance abuse epidemic. Now, because of our years-long comprehensive response efforts, our Commonwealth is also helping to lead the recovery. As Senate Majority Leader, I’ve made the fight to save lives from the horrors of addiction and abuse a top national priority. With an influx of federal resources we’re bolstering Kentucky’s law enforcement and treatment programs in meaningful ways. Governor Bevin has been an important leader in this effort as well. The results of our work at the federal and state level with our many local partners on the front lines are evident in today’s announcement. But this report is also an opportunity to recommit ourselves to reducing and preventing future overdoses and helping Kentuckians maintain long-term recovery.”