COLUMBUS, Ohio — New numbers from the Ohio Department of Health show unintentional overdose deaths declined in Ohio last year. 

What You Need To Know

  • Unintentional overdoes deaths are down 5% from 2021 to 2022, according to the Ohio Department of Health 

  • ODH data also shows that Black males had the highest rate of unintentional drug overdose deaths 

  • Illicit fentanyl and similar drugs were involved in more than 80 percent of unintentional drug overdose deaths in Ohio last year

ODH reports there were 5% fewer accidental overdose deaths from 2021 to 2022. However, some demographics are still seeing an increase.

Black males had the highest rate of unintentional drug overdose deaths in Ohio compared to any other race in 2022. That’s why some say more outreach needs to be done. 

“Increased Narcan distribution in black neighborhoods is the first and easiest thing to do,” said Dennis Cauchon, Harm Reduction Ohio president. “And that requires like specific, culturally appropriate efforts from people who live in those communities.”

The Department of Health found that illicit fentanyl and similar drugs were involved in more than 80% of unintentional drug overdose deaths in Ohio last year. 

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