Ohio drug overdose deaths declined to 4-year low in 2023 [Video]

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Drug overdose deaths are on the decline in Ohio, according to new data from the state’s Department of Health.

Gov. Mike DeWine, Department of Health Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, and others held a press conference Wednesday to discuss the results of the annual Ohio Unintentional Drug Overdose report. The numbers show 4,452 people in the state died from unintentional overdoses in 2023, a 9% drop from the year before and a 14% decline from the 2021 peak of 5,174.

During his remarks Wednesday, DeWine credited his administration’s efforts to stem the rising tide of drug abuse largely brought on by the opioid epidemic. The overall two-year decline of 14% also far outpaces the national average of less …