Missouri Sees Second Straight Year of Decline in Drug Overdose Deaths

St. Louis, Mo. (KFMO) - Missouri has recorded its second consecutive year of declining drug overdose deaths, according to a new report from the University of Missouri–St. Louis Institute of Mental Health.

In 2024, 1,450 people died from drug overdoses statewide, nearly 500 fewer than the previous year, marking a 26% decrease across all types of drugs. It’s the lowest total since 2016, when fentanyl first became widespread in Missouri’s drug supply. The report also shows a 36% drop in opioid-related deaths and declines across every region and demographic group. The central region saw the largest decrease, with deaths falling from 147 to 64. Researchers credit expanded access to the overdose reversal drug naloxone as a major factor. About 1.3 million doses were distributed in 2024, nearly twice the amount from 2023. Many of those doses were funded through Missouri’s opioid settlement funds.

Missouri’s overdose death rate now aligns with neighboring Midwestern states and is lower than states like Indiana and Kansas. Naloxone remains available for free at local sites listed on GetMissouriNaloxone.com.