CHRISTIAN COUNTY, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – On May 1, Gov. Andy Beshear announced that overdose deaths in Kentucky have notably gone down for the third year in a row with fentanyl and meth still being the most prevalent issues.
According to the 2024 Kentucky Drug Overdose Fatality Report, 1,410 Kentuckians lost their lives in 2024 to a drug overdose. This is a 30.2% decrease from 2023 where 2,020 deaths occurred.
Of that total, 12 of the overdoses occurred in Christian County. This number is slightly less than the previous report in 2023, with 14 deaths occurring.
In comparison, Jefferson County had the highest number, with 340 residents dying from a drug overdose in 2024. Jefferson County also has the highest population in the state, with over 700,000 residents living in and around Louisville. Below that is Fayette County with 87 deaths, and Kenton County with 49 deaths.
A news release from the governor’s office says fentanyl was present in 62.3% of overdose deaths, and methamphetamine was present in 50.8% of overdose deaths. The two continue to be the most prevalent drugs contributing to overdose deaths in the state. The report also indicates that most Kentucky age groups saw a decrease in overdose deaths, with the only increase being among those ages 75-84.
“I am thankful that more Kentuckians are alive and in recovery today compared with last year,” Gov. Beshear said. “But we still mourn and grieve our 1,410 Kentuckians who lost their life last year to addiction and the many more who we lost before that. Every life lost is a child of God, and someone’s mom, dad, son, daughter and loved one. We won’t stop until every Kentuckian is saved from addiction.”
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