Allegheny County Reports Decrease in Overdose Deaths with Final 2023 Numbers
Numbers have decreased year-over-year since 2021; Now at lowest fatal overdose numbers since 2019
PITTSBURGH –Dr. Ariel Goldschmidt, Allegheny County Chief Medical Examiner, today released the final 2023 overdose death statistics, reporting 665 overdose deaths within the jurisdiction of the Medical Examiner’s office. This number is a decrease from overdose numbers of 2022, 2021, and 2020. The 2023 numbers represent a decrease of more than 20 percent from the recent high of 835 overdoses recorded in 2018, and a decrease of 24 deaths, or about 4 percent, from the 2022 figures. Overdose deaths account for 26 percent of all deaths (665 of 2,577) under the office’s jurisdiction.
The vast majority of 2023 overdose deaths, 567 or 85 percent, were deaths with more than one drug being present. Fentanyl and cocaine were the drugs found most commonly, regardless of whether there is one drug or multiple drugs present. Fentanyl was involved in 82 percent of deaths.
“We’re pleased to see that Allegheny County can report a slight decrease in 2023 overdoses over 2022 numbers, which also follows a national trend of a decrease in overdose fatalities,” said Dr. Ariel Goldschmidt, Chief Medical Examiner.
Ages of cases ranged from three deaths of an individual under the age of 14 to 54 deaths of individuals that were 65 or older. There were 181 deaths in the 35-44 age group, the highest number reported. Caucasian males continue to be the most common demographic group to experience a fatal overdose, though while white overdose deaths decreased by 10 percent, Black overdose deaths increased 17 percent over 2022 numbers.
A number of county departments have been actively engaged in addressing the opioid crisis including the Medical Examiner, Health, and Human Services. Read the latest about how the County is using its global opioid settlements funds. View the County Overdose Dashboard for in depth data and trends over the last several years.
DHS recently launched its “Connect-Protect-Recover” campaign to confront the rising rate of accidental overdose deaths and other harms associated with substance use disorder among Black residents of Allegheny County. Overdose rates among white Allegheny County residents and nationwide have level offed and decreased over the last few years, but rates among the Black community have increased locally and nationally. The goal of the Connect-Protect-Recover campaign is to increase awareness and generate change among family members about available substance use disorder treatment and recovery services.
Recovery Specialists or Certified Family Recovery Specialists are available 24/7 at Pathways to Care and Recovery. Interested individuals who are struggling or want to help a love one can call 412-325-7550 for help.
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