Alex Mathiesen, director of programs at Live4Lali in Arlington Heights, holds one of the safe supplies the organization makes available. Overdose deaths are plunging, but there are ominous signs that a reversal of the trend could take place. Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com

Drug overdose deaths in the Chicago area mirror a statewide and national trend showing a sharp decline from 2023 to 2024.

Combined, Cook County and the five collar counties of DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will show a 24.6% decline in the number of fatal drug overdoses during that time period, according to data from coroners and the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Preliminary estimates indicate the six counties collectively saw 570 fewer drug overdose deaths in 2024 than in 2023, dropping from 2,319 in 2023

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