A decrease in drug overdose deaths early in 2024 is good news for those on the front lines of the county’s battle with drug addiction.

We won’t know for several months if the decrease seen so far in 2024 will continue, but there are some encouraging signs.

The age of those who die from drug overdoses is typically in the upper 40s, which county Health Department officials may be a sign that efforts to increase education on the dangers of drug abuse in schools is working. Overdose deaths also rarely happen for those who have suboxone in their system – something county health officials say could mean those who are in treatment aren’t succumbing to drug overdoses.

Believe it or not, those are positive signs that some of the work county officials and their partners have done over the past few years may be paying off. Education may be taking root, particularly when it comes to teaching young people about the dangers of fentanyl, and treatment seems to be working at least stem the tide of death from overdose.

We still have a long way to go. Fentanyl is still a major problem. We’re still seeing high numbers of fentanyl seizures by area police departments, and the discussion last week by county Board of Health members reinforces just how deadly fentanyl is. Treatment helps keep those battling addiction from dying, but we know additional treatment facilities and beds are needed throughout the region.

But after years of reporting dire news when it comes to the fight against addiction, last week’s Board of Health meeting is a bit of positive news. We hope that positive news continues and turns into positive momentum.