“This new data shows there is hope, there is progress, and there is an urgent call to action for us all to continue working together…”

Rahul Gupta, director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, regarding the 15 percent decline in drug overdose deaths in the past 12 months as compared to the year prior. North Carolina saw the greatest decrease, with a 48.8 percent decline, while eight other states reported at least a 21 percent decrease in overdose deaths. However, several western states actually reported an increase in deaths. (CQ-Roll Call — Oct. 16, 2024)