Drug-related overdose deaths in Los Angeles County fell 22% in 2024, according to a report released Wednesday by the Department of Public Health.
The decline includes a 37% decrease in fentanyl-related deaths and a 20% decrease in methamphetamine-related deaths, based on data from the county medical examination department.
Officials said the decline reflects the impact of expanding investments in prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery services.
According to public health, deaths from overdose and poisoning have decreased from 3,137 in 2023 to 2,438 in 2024.
“The reduction in overdose deaths in LA County is a clear indication that public health investments are saving lives. It is based on care and prevention, reflecting the power of innovative, community-driven strategies,” the county said.
Director Holly Mitchell said in a statement.
“However, despite this courageous tendency, black residents and individuals struggling with poverty continue to face disproportionate overdose deaths.”
Mitchell said the data highlights the critical importance of maintaining support for fair and comprehensive public health initiatives, particularly those developed and guided by trusted community partners.
Reports show that fentanyl remained the most common drug involved in fatal overdose, but the rate of deaths from accidental overdose fell to 52% from 64% in the previous year. Adults ages 40 to 64 were most affected, followed by adults ages 26 to 39. The men continued to make up a large proportion of fentanyl-related deaths.
Public health officials said the county has increased its funding for substance use prevention services by more than 260%, and treatment services have increased harmful efforts by 275% and 500% last year.
Programs such as the Fentanyl Frontline Media Campaign aim to expand access to naloxone, a drug that quickly reverses opioid overdose, and reduce stigma around addiction.
“In the midst of the worst overdose and substance crisis in Los Angeles County history, I am encouraged by this immobilising reduction in overdose deaths for the second year in a row,” said director Hilda Solis.
“This is evidence of the county’s public health investment and a comprehensive approach to addressing substance use, including harm reduction, treatment and recovery.”
Solis said the progress is encouraging, but emphasized the need to strengthen efforts, including increasing access to naloxone, supporting young people in schools and ensuring culturally appropriate services.
“As a safety net for Los Angeles County residents, we have to leave anyone behind,” Solis said.
Supervisor Lindsey Horvas called the progress “encouragement,” but warned that opioids and methamphetamines still burn a public health emergency.
She said they work to ensure that people know that treatment is not only available, but accessible and recovery is possible.
Supervisor Janice Hahn praised the progress of tools such as the Narcan and fentanyl test kits, but warned that cuts in federal funding could undermine local interests.
Bylaforla.org (a website and community-driven platform), which reached the county’s 95% initiative, and the expanded funding strategy, were all cited as the main drivers of the decline in deaths.
“This advancement reflects the dedication of countless staff and community partners who work every day to connect people with lifesaving resources and care,” said Director of Public Health Barbara Feller.
“We are encouraged by this trend, but we know that we are not done at work. A sustained investment in prevention, treatment and recovery services is essential to ensuring that everyone in our community has an opportunity to live a healthy and supported life.”
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