Connecticut Reports 26% Drop In Overdose Deaths, Third Straight Year Of Decline

CONNECTICUT — Connecticut saw a significant decline in drug overdose deaths in 2024, marking the third consecutive year of reductions, state officials announced Monday.

Preliminary data from the Department of Public Health shows 990 overdose deaths last year, a 26 percent drop from the 1,338 reported in 2023. Approximately 76 percent of those deaths involved fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that has fueled the national overdose crisis.

Gov. Ned Lamont called the data “encouraging,” but cautioned that the opioid epidemic remains a serious public health issue.

"The 990 individuals we lost in 2024 to overdose is far too many of our family, friends, and loved ones to take a victory lap or celebrate when there is still so much more work to do," Lamont said in a statement. "But, we can be heartened that the data is moving in the right direction."

Officials credited the downward trend to a broad public health strategy that includes naloxone distribution, harm reduction services, expanded treatment options, and public education.

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The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) reported distributing nearly 60,000 naloxone kits statewide last year, exceeding saturation goals. Naloxone, often known by the brand name Narcan, can reverse opioid overdoses if administered in time.

DMHAS Commissioner Nancy Navarretta said the state has also expanded access to treatment and peer outreach services. “Connecticut has demonstrated a clear commitment to reducing overdose deaths and increasing access to harm reduction, treatment, and recovery supports,” she said.

Among last year’s initiatives were the addition of three new Harm Reduction Centers in municipalities with high overdose rates, expanded peer navigator programs, and a statewide Harm Reduction Conference attended by nearly 400 people.

DPH Commissioner Dr. Manisha Juthani said the state will continue to focus on prevention efforts aimed at keeping young people from initiating substance use. “These data are promising, but the hard work to protect public health and save lives continues,” she said.

DMHAS also oversees opioid-related initiatives funded through the federal State Opioid Response grant and Connecticut’s opioid settlement funds. The agency’s Opioid Services Division coordinates prevention, treatment, and recovery services statewide.

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Resources for those seeking help with opioid use disorder in Connecticut are available online here, or by calling 1-800-563-4086 at any time.