Provided photo Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine on Wednesday announced new verified data showing that the number of overdose deaths in Ohio has decreased substantially for the second calendar year in a row.

COLUMBUS — Gov. Mike DeWine on Wednesday announced newly verified data showing that the number of overdose deaths in Ohio has dropped substantially for the second calendar year in a row.

The Ohio Department of Health’s 2023 Unintentional Drug Overdose Report, released Wednesday, revealed a 9 percent drop in verified overdose deaths statewide. In 2023, Ohio recorded 4,452 unintentional drug overdose deaths, down from 4,915 in 2022.

The results underscore the progress of numerous state programs and resources implemented or expanded within DeWine with the combined goal of saving more lives and putting more people on the path to addiction recovery.

“When I became governor in 2019, I made fighting drug addiction and preventing overdose deaths one of my administration’s top priorities.” DeWine said Wednesday at a news conference announcing the report’s release. “This new data shows that Ohio is on the right track, and the numbers have gotten more encouraging in each of the past years. But we also recognize that our work is far from done—that every overdose death remains a tragedy. These results further sharpen our resolve to continue our fight to save more lives.”

The report shows Ohio has topped national overdose death trends for two years in a row. In 2023, the 9 percent drop in overdose deaths in Ohio was better than the 2 percent drop seen nationally. In 2022, the 5 percent drop in overdose deaths in Ohio was better than the 1 percent increase seen nationally.

The report also shows that Ohio is building momentum through the end of 2023 and this calendar year. In 2023, there was a 24% drop in overdose deaths from the second trimester to the fourth trimester.

Under the DeWine administration, Ohio implemented one of the nation’s most comprehensive and aggressive strategies to combat drug addiction and prevent overdose deaths.

One of his first actions upon taking office was to create the RecoveryOhio Governor’s Initiative – which is dedicated to unifying state and local efforts to address substance use disorders and mental health challenges. In coordination with agencies such as ODH, the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, the Ohio Department of Public Safety and other partners, Ohio has implemented a whole-of-government approach to combating the drug epidemic, with key areas of focus including intervention . , treatment and application.

“The 9% drop in overdose deaths this year is an encouraging sign that our efforts are making a difference,” said Aimee Shadwick, director of RecoveryOhio. “Through initiatives like expanded distribution of naloxone, harm reduction strategies, and comprehensive treatment and mental health services, we are saving lives and creating pathways to recovery. While we recognize this progress, we remain committed to continuing our work so that every Ohioan struggling with addiction has access to the support they need to live healthier and safer lives.”