Broome County Health Department Releases Overdose Numbers for 2024

Health Officials Report Reduction in Suspected Overdoses Over the Last Two Years

(BROOME COUNTY, NY) - The Broome County Health Department (BCHD) Overdose Prevention Program is releasing the 2024 overdose data, showing numbers trending lower than the two previous calendar years. In 2024, a total of 48 suspected fatal overdoses and 219 suspected non-fatal overdoses were reported. Since 2022, the county has seen a 40% decrease in suspected fatal overdoses, and a 52% decrease in suspected non-fatal overdoses.

Marissa Knapp, Director of the Overdose Prevention Program at the Broome County Health Department and Chair of the Broome Overdose Action Collaborative (BOAC) said, "I really believe the reduction in overdoses can be attributed to all of the agencies, people, and resources available in Broome County to promote harm reduction, education, prevention, and treatment along with a multifaceted approach to help meet people where they are at. We will continue to report suspected overdose numbers, and this is a vital time for our community to come together and stay informed on how to prevent overdoses. We also encourage those who use substances daily or recreationally to practice harm reduction measures and know there are resources available in our community to help reduce the risk of harm to a person using substances."

The BCHD Overdose Prevention Program was awarded a competitive five-year CDC Overdose Data to Action grant where funds are being used to leverage resources, partnerships, and data to reduce overdoses. Additionally, since 2023, 10 community agencies/organizations have been awarded Opioid Settlement Funds to work on initiatives to help lessen the burden of overdose.

The Overdose Prevention Program encourages anyone who uses substances - whether daily or recreationally - to practice harm reduction strategies. Harm reduction recommendations include not using alone, having a Narcan kit readily available, using fentanyl and xylazine test strips, and if at the scene of an overdose, call 911. The Never Use Alone Hotline is a judgement-free resource for those using substances and can be reached at 1-877-696-1996. Community members can reach out to 211 for more information on how to get Narcan, fentanyl and/or xylazine test strips. For more information about overdose prevention, contact the BCHD Overdose Prevention Program at 607-778-2805 or [email protected].