Opioid Deaths Down 25% in Pennsylvania, White House says

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The number of opioid-related deaths have dropped by almost a quarter in Pennsylvania, according to research.

According to a study released by the White House, deaths declined from 5,195 in July 2023 to 3,937 in July 2024, a 24% decline. Pennsylvania has seen the lowest level of opioid-related deaths since July 2016.

The Biden administration expressed this is a result their efforts to cut down on the amount of fentanyl entering the U.S. and make the anti-overdose drug naxolone more readily available was having an impact.

“There are fewer families facing an empty seat at the table, particularly during this holiday season,” said Rahul Gupta, director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy.

Dr. Gupta claimed the Biden administration worked to cut off opioid production and the chemicals needed to make the drugs. According to sources, officials increased seizures of fentanyl at the border, and targeted not only the dealers but their lawyers, accountants, bankers and the real estate companies that housed the dealers and their product.

He explained that a major contribution to the decline in opioid deaths was the fact that Naxolone, the drug that can reverse overdoses and often is sold under the brand name Narcan, is more readily available. The Allegheny County Health Department has placed several vending machines in various locations, dispensing free Naxolone; as Dr. Gupta encourages that you get your fair share.

“The very first thing you need to do is stop the bleeding,” Dr. Gupta said. “We cannot treat dead people. Naxolone stops the bleeding. One of the quickest ways to save lives was to get naloxone into people’s hands and make it more accessible and more affordable.”