For nearly a decade, overdoses have killed hundreds of Missourians annually as deadly synthetic opioids circulated among drug users. The latest data indicates the decrease in deaths could indicate a sustained trend.

Drug overdose deaths in Missouri decreased for the second consecutive year in 2024, according to the latest data from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services . The drop in drug-related fatalities — a 26% decrease compared with the previous year — brings the total to its lowest number since 2017.

Last year, the deaths of 1,450 people in Missouri were related to opioids, stimulants and other drugs, compared with 1,948 in 2023.

The drop is "absolutely the most significant decline that we've seen since we've been gathering and reporting data," said University o

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