NEW YORK (AP) — The number of U.S. fatal overdoses fell last year, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data posted Wednesday.
Agency officials noted the data is provisional and could change after more analysis, but that they still expect a drop when the final counts are in. It would be only the second annual decline since the current national drug death epidemic began more than three decades ago.
Experts reacted cautiously. One described the decline as relatively small, and said it should be thought more as part of a leveling off than a decrease. Another noted that the last time a decline occurred — in 2018 — drug deaths shot up in the years that followed.
“Any decline is encouraging,” said Brandon Marshall, a Brown University researcher who studies overdose trends. “But I think it’s certainly premature to celebrate or to draw any large-scale conclusions about where we may be headed long-term with this crisis.”
Children are evacuated from school 'during an exam' after threat made via email
The Paralympics open in 100 days. Paris organizers are launching a campaign to boost ticket sales
Barcelona seals lucrative 2nd place in Spain, Sorloth scores 4 as Villarreal draws with Real Madrid
Alek Manoah fans 7 in first victory of season as Blue Jays avoid sweep, beat Rays 5
Siblings trying to make US water polo teams for Paris Olympics
Pregnant Jenna Dewan puts her bump on display in figure
Courteney Cox reveals her late Friends co
Solar sector shrugs off tariff action
Brazil replaces injured goalkeeper Ederson in Copa America squad
Croatian parliament approves new gov't headed by incumbent PM
Shooting injures 2 at Missouri high school graduation ceremony
Legendary NFL center Jim Otto dies aged 86