In 2024, New Hampshire's number of overdose deaths dropped more than 30 percent from 2023 and more than 40 percent from 2017, the state's peak year for these deaths, according to recently released data from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

The decline occurred amid a national drop in overdose deaths. 

In January, The Sentinel reported that fatal overdose rates in the state were beginning to decline, as reflected in data the medical examiner's office released in mid-December.According to that report, 238 fatal overdoses occurred in the state in 2024, with the cause of an additional 46 deaths pending toxicology testing. 

The new data update last year's total to 276 confirmed overdose deaths, with 14 toxicology reports pending. In 2017, the state recorded 490 overdose deaths, and 431 were confirmed in 2023.

"I wouldn't say 276 is necessarily positive but it is encouraging and this [decline] isn't just New Hampshire," said Lt. Thomas Phelan of the N.H. Information and Analysis Center, which monitors trends in overdose deaths.

The Sentinel's reporting in January found that the falling number of opioid overdose deaths can in part be attributed to the widespread proliferation of Narcan, the overdose reversal drug the FDA approved for over-the-counter use in March 2023. Lessening stigmas and rising education on overdoses have also been contributing factors, according to local recovery organizations.

The decline in deaths does not necessarily mean that addiction or overdoses are falling, according to Randy Herk, director of recovery services at Reality Check, a Jaffrey-based addiction services organization. "People are overdosing, it's just that they're not having to call 911 because they have the Narcan."

With at least 135 fatal overdoses last year attributed to fentanyl alone, the synthetic opiate remains the largest cause of drug overdose deaths in the Granite State. Mixing fentanyl with other drugs like methamphetamine and cocaine also claimed dozens of lives. Non-opiates caused at least 25 overdose deaths.

Although declining overdose deaths is a welcome sign for social service organizations, Herk said more attention needs to be put into prevention and education services.

"It's great news," Herk said. "I just don't want people to take their eye off the ball."

If you or a loved one is struggling with a substance use disorder, The Doorway — a recovery services referral hub at 24 Railroad St. in Keene — is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Support through the state’s 24/7 hotline is also available at 2-1-1.

Funding for the Monadnock Region Health Reporting Lab comes from several sources, including The Sentinel and several local businesses and private donors, along with support from the Granite State News Collaborative. We continue to seek additional support. The newsroom maintains full editorial control over all content produced by the lab.

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