Broome County Health Department officials say overdoses and overdose deaths were down in 2024, compared to the previous two years.

According to officials, in 2024, there was a total of 48 suspected fatal overdoses and a total of 219 suspected non-fatal overdoses. Since 2022, there has been a 40 percent decrease in suspected fatal overdoses and a 52 percent decrease in suspected non-fatal overdoses.

These numbers come from the department's Overdose Prevention Program, which encourages users or addicts to practice harm-reduction strategies. Strategies include not using alone, having Narcan available, using fentanyl and xylazine test strips, and calling 911 if you are at the scene of an overdose.

The program was awarded a five-year CDC Overdose Data to Action grant to leverage resources, partnerships, and data to reduce overdoses.