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.”
Shooting injures 2 at Missouri high school graduation ceremony
Chinese, French experts seek multilateral future at global governance forum
Ashley Graham reveals her custom Swarovski crystal
Former Chinese bank official stands trial for bribery
'Constantly learning' Imanaga off to impressive start with the Chicago Cubs
Met Gala 2024: Kylie Minogue glitters in an edgy twist on a fairytale princess theme with a figure
China unveils national industry standards for managing social organizations
Socialite Jasmine Hartin enjoys beach snuggle with electrician hunk
South China Sea: US, Australian and Philippine forces sink a ship during war drills