Counties Across California Saw Massive Drops in Overdose Deaths In 2024

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health announced Wednesday that the number of overdose deaths in the County in 2024 dropped by 22% from 2023, with current numbers indicating another likely drop coming in 2025.

In total, the number overdose and poisoning deaths in L.A. County fell from 3,137 in 2023 to 2,438 in 2024. This marked the lowest number of recorded overdose deaths since 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic. Fentanyl specific overdoses also fell by a significant margin 2024, 37%, marking what many call a turning point in dealing with the fentanyl epidemic.

“The decline in overdose deaths in L.A. County is a clear sign that public health investments are saving lives, reflecting the power of innovative, community led strategies grounded in care and prevention,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell in a statement. “However, despite this encouraging trend, Black residents and individuals living in poverty continue to face disproportionately high rates of overdose deaths.”

“In the midst of the worst overdose and substance use crisis in Los Angeles County’s history, I am encouraged by this steadfast decline in overdose deaths for the second year in a row,” added Supervisor Hilda Solis. “This is a testament to the County’s investment in public health and its comprehensive approach to addressing substance use, including harm reduction, treatment, and recovery.”

However, Los Angeles County isn’t the only county who saw a huge downturn in overdose deaths last year. San Francisco fell by 22% as well, going from a peak of 806 overdose deaths in 2023 to 633 in 2024. San Diego County went down 28%. Sacramento County saw a similar total drop, with fentanyl related overdoses alone going down 56%.

Nationwide, overdoses were down 26.9% from 2023, being right about in the median of all of California’s counties combined. While each California County gave their reasons, the CDC pointed out multiple factors leading to the drastic 2024 reductions.

“Multiple factors contribute to the drop in overdose deaths, including widespread, data-driven distribution of naloxone, which is a life-saving medication that can reverse an overdose; better access to evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders; shifts in the illegal drug supply; a resumption of prevention and response after pandemic-related disruptions; and continued investments in prevention and response programs like CDC’s flagship Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) program,” noted the CDC earlier this year.

Overdoses down across the board

And for 2025, signs are already pointing to yet another year of reduced overdoses. Naloxone being more widespread and increased community-based strategies, mixed with the Trump Administration increasing border and customs security that more readily spots smuggled drugs like fentanyl, is proving to be an effective strategy

“We are moving in the right direction, and we must accelerate and strengthen CDC’s continued investments in prevention to reduce overdose deaths,” added the CDC. “Expanding access to evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders—including medications for opioid use disorder such as buprenorphine and methadone—is important, in addition to building more community-driven interventions and promoting education and early intervention to prevent substance use disorders before they begin.”

However, health experts warned that counties should not let up on programs now, as they are showing success at the current levels of manpower and funding. They also noted that overdoses and drug abuse are still public health emergencies

“The progress is encouraging, but opioids and methamphetamine still fuel a public health emergency,” said L.A. County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath. “We are working to ensure people know that treatment is not only available but accessible, and that recovery is possible.”

Early 2025 overdose percentages are likely to come out in early July, giving a portrait of where the number are at halfway through the year.