New York State recorded a historic 32% decline in drug overdose deaths in 2024—the lowest number since before the COVID-19 pandemic. Preliminary data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirms the drop, marking a turning point in the state’s ongoing fight against the opioid epidemic.
An estimated 4,567 New Yorkers died from overdoses in 2024, compared to 6,688 deaths in 2023. Nearly 77% of those deaths involved opioids such as heroin or fentanyl.
How New York achieved the sharpest drop in years
Officials credit the decline to sweeping investments in addiction treatment and prevention services, including the deployment of nearly $400 million in Opioid Settlement Funds—the largest allocation of its kind in the country.
These funds have supported:
- Free public access to naloxone, fentanyl, and xylazine test strips
- Expansion of harm reduction programs and recovery centers
- Mobile Medication Units (MMUs) delivering addiction care to underserved communities
- MATTERS referral network connecting people with opioid use disorder to rapid outpatient treatment
- Over 1,300 overdose prevention programs across more than 5,000 locations statewide
More than 13.2 million fentanyl test strips, 10 million xylazine test strips, and 296,000 naloxone kits have been distributed through a free online portal. Between January 2024 and April 2025, the State Department of Health also handed out over 537,600 naloxone kits.
State leaders say the work isn’t done
While the drop in deaths is encouraging, health officials stress the importance of continued efforts to ensure equitable access to care.
Dr. Chinazo Cunningham, Commissioner of the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), said the results show that “our hard work and innovative approaches to establishing services are making a difference.”
Dr. James McDonald, State Health Commissioner, noted that the improvements haven’t been felt equally across all communities. “It’s vital we continue to identify communities that are not experiencing these declines,” he said. “There’s still much to do.”
Lawmakers call for equity and continued investment
State Senator Nathalia Fernandez praised the results but called for a deeper look at racial disparities in outcomes. “Until the data is disaggregated by race, it is unclear whether this decline is reaching all communities equally, especially Black and Brown New Yorkers,” she said.
Programs supported by state funding include transportation to treatment, addiction workforce development, and public awareness campaigns. Mobile medication units are also expanding with additional funding in the FY26 budget.
Where to find help in New York
New Yorkers struggling with addiction—or concerned about a loved one—can call the HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or text HOPENY (467369) for 24/7 support.
Treatment options, including detox, inpatient, residential, and outpatient care, are available through the New York State OASAS website.
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