Vermont Sees 22 Percent Drop in Opioid Overdose Deaths in 2024 as Narcan Use and Drug Testing Rise

New data from the Vermont Department of Health shows opioid overdose deaths in Vermont went down significantly in 2024. A 22% decrease from the year prior. It’s the second year in a row that overdose deaths went down, with a slight drop in 2023 after a peak in 2022. Advocates point to users adapting to the drug supply, testing for drugs become more prevalent, and the widespread use and availability of Narcan. Officials say fentanyl continues to be the number one substance involved in opioid-related deaths, accounting for 93% of deaths in 2024.