A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveals that drug overdose deaths are decreasing across the United States, a trend that hasn’t been seen since 2018. Unfortunately, Alabama is not experiencing the same decline. In fact, the state is seeing a steady increase in overdose deaths.
HEMSI first responders report that the numbers in Madison County have been showing improvement in the first half of this year despite the ongoing national opioid crisis.
The period between December 31, 2023, and June 2024 witnessed a decrease in the number of drug overdose calls.
According to Don Webster from HEMSI, their previous average of overdoses per day was around 2.3 to 2.4. However, currently, they are observing an average of two overdoses per day.
According to Webster, this may not seem like a big change, but he believes it is a positive development. He is optimistic that this is due to the fact that more individuals are reaching out for support with addiction, as there are numerous resources available in Madison County, including  Bradford Health Services, WellStone and R.O.S.S. Madison County.
The Health Resources and Services Administration reveals that opioid-related overdoses are claiming the lives of more than 130 people every day across the United States.
Webster reports that Madison County is still experiencing an average of three drug overdose-related deaths every seven to ten days.
Over the past six months, HEMSI has administered Narcan approximately 380 times as a means of treating narcotic overdoses.
Webster is aware that these drugs are continuing to devastate lives in our community, based on the statistics provided.
According to Webster, addiction is a dreadful illness and a crisis that he has witnessed firsthand over time. He believes that opioids and fentanyl are still significantly affecting our community.
If drug addiction is a struggle for you or someone you know, there is a solution. Simply give the Alabama Addiction Hotline a call at 866-210-1303. They’re ready and willing to help you through this difficult time.
