 Friday, May 8, 2026
Fatal overdoses continue to decline
in Jefferson County
For the second year in a row, Jefferson County has seen a historic decline in fatal overdoses—dropping faster than both state and national trends.
According to the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy’s 2025 Overdose Fatality Report, 237 Jefferson County residents died from overdose in 2025, a 32% decrease from the 351 deaths in 2024. This follows a 30% reduction between 2023 and 2024.
Across Kentucky, fatal overdoses declined by 23% in 2025 and 29% in 2024. Current rates have returned to pre‑pandemic levels and are the lowest in a decade.
“This historic decrease is the result of a whole‑of‑government public health response,” said Connie Mendel, Director of the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW). “Investments in prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and basic needs like housing and social services are saving lives.”
How We’re Making a Difference
Strategic Investment in Prevention and Recovery
- Nearly $20 million in opioid settlement funds invested in 2024–2025.
- Services reached 20,000+ people, including treatment, mental health care, case management, transportation, legal aid, youth prevention, housing support, and employment and education services.
- $1.6 million dedicated to school based primary prevention programs launching later this year.
Expanded Naloxone Access
- In partnership with several Louisville Metro agencies including Fire, EMS, the Offices of Social Services and Violence Prevention, and Corrections, as well as countless community partners, LMPHW oversaw record naloxone distribution in both years:
- 23,643 units in 2024
- 23,816 units in 2025
- That’s a 70% increase since 2023 and more than 200% growth since 2022.
- Free naloxone is available across Jefferson County—find locations at findnaloxone.ky.gov.
Rapid Response After Overdose
- Louisville Metro’s Quick Response Team (QRT) connects people to care within 72 hours of an overdose.
- Since QRT launched in 2021, the team has
- Received 9,829 referrals of people who experienced overdose
- Connected with 2,411 patients and their families
- Distributed 3,974 naloxone kits
- Connected 455 people to treatment for substance use disorder
- Connected 519 people to community social services such as housing and food
Harm Reduction Saves Lives
- Evidence‑based clinical harm reduction services are offered six days a week at eight community sites.
- Services include HIV and hepatitis C testing, wound care, treatment referrals, naloxone distribution, overdose prevention education, safe syringe disposal, and connections to medical, mental health, and other community services.
“Together, these efforts are saving lives—and moving us toward a healthier, safer future,” Mendel said.
Keep your family safe this summer
with free YMCA water safety clinics
 As we head into warmer weather, there’s no better time to build confidence and safety skills in and around the water.
From May 14 to May 17, the YMCA of Greater Louisville is proud to offer free Safety Around Water Clinics for both kids and adults—no prior swim experience needed
Drowning can happen anywhere there is standing water, but with the right skills, it can be prevented. These one-hour clinics are designed to help participants stay safe, build confidence, and enjoy the water through the YMCA’s trusted Safety Around Water curriculum.
Spots are limited, so please register soon.
Advancing suicide prevention
at the Lethal Means Safety Summit
Mark your calendar for the Lethal Means Safety Summit, where you can learn more about suicide prevention and how to take action with care. Join the discussion and training session from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20 at 1640 Lyndon Farm Court in Lyndon.
Please use this link to register or scan the QR code to participate in this free event. For more information, contact Millie Stevens at Millie.Stevens@ky.gov.
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