by GIL MCCLANAHAN
LOUISA, KY (WCHS) — Kentucky’s Overdose Fatality Report has been released, and it contains both good and bad news regarding the state’s efforts in fighting the national drug epidemic.
The commonwealth is seeing its first decline in overdose deaths since 2018, but some say more work needs to be done.
The report indicates 2,135 Kentuckians died from a drug overdose last year, with 90% caused by opioids and fentanyl. While Gov. Andy Beshear said those numbers are tough to deal with, there is hope for the future.
“Last year Kentucky was one of only eight states in the entire country that saw a significant decrease in overdose deaths, with 5% less than the year before,” Beshear said.