Los Angeles County saw a 22% reduction in deaths and poisonings from drug overdoses last year, the most significant drop in county history, according to an analysis released Wednesday by the Department of Public Health.
Based on data from the LA County Department of Medical Examiner, the notable decrease in fatal overdoses includes a 37% drop in fentanyl-related deaths and a 20% reduction in methamphetamine-related deaths compared with 2023.
“The recent decline in overdose deaths across Los Angeles County is a hopeful sign that our shared commitment to saving lives is having an impact,” Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said in a statement. “This progress reflects the dedication of countless staff and community partners who work every day to connect people with life-saving resources and care. While we are encouraged by this trend, we know the work is far from over. Sustained investment in prevention, treatment and recovery services is essential to ensuring every person in our community has the opportunity to live a healthy, supported life.”
Additional findings from the county’s analysis include:
- Deaths from drug-related overdoses and poisonings declined from 3,137 fatalities in 2023 to 2,438 in 2024, the lowest number since 2019.
- “Fentanyl has been a major driver of accidental overdose deaths, surpassing methamphetamine in 2022 as the most common drug type listed as a cause of death,” according to the health department. Last year, accidental overdose deaths involving fentanyl dropped to 52% from 64% in 2023.
- In 2024, fentanyl overdose deaths occurred most often among adults between ages 40 and 64, followed by adults 26 to 39.
- Males continue to account for more fentanyl overdose deaths than females.
- Black county residents are disproportionately represented in overdose and poisoning deaths, while fatalities among Latino and white individuals totaled the highest overall numbers. “The decline in overdose deaths in LA County is a clear sign that public health investments are saving lives — reflecting the power of innovative, community led strategies grounded in care and prevention,” District 2 LA County Supervisor Holly Mitchell said in a statement. “However, despite this encouraging trend, Black residents and individuals living in poverty continue to face disproportionately high rates of overdose deaths. This underscores the urgent need for continued investments in equitable public health strategies, especially those led by and in partnership with trusted community organizations.”
- “Overdose and poisoning deaths continue to impact individuals across socioeconomic status and affluence,” according to Public Health.
County spending on substance use prevention, treatment and harm reduction services increased by more than 260%, 275% and 500%, respectively, officials said, while noting community outreach efforts such as the Fentanyl Frontline multimedia campaign to increase locations countywide that have the overdose-prevention drug naloxone.
Public Health and the Department of Health Services also created ByLAforLA.org, which aims to highlight the work of harm reduction peers and local partners, reduce stigma and connect people with lifesaving services and support.
Public Health’s Bureau of Substance Abuse Prevention and Control analyzed the overdose data. The research was part of an annual data report on overdoses and poisonings in the county related to fentanyl and other drugs. The full report is available on the SAPC’s website.
“In the midst of the worst overdose and substance use crisis in Los Angeles County’s history, I am encouraged by this steadfast decline in overdose deaths for the second year in a row. This is a testament to the County’s investment in public health and its comprehensive approach to addressing substance use, including harm reduction, treatment, and recovery,” District 1 LA County Supervisor Hilda Solis said in a statement. “With these promising developments, we must double down on our efforts — that is why I remain committed to my work to address this crisis, including building upon motions I have helped lead to comprehensively address overdoses, to expand lifesaving resources like naloxone, to work with schools to prevent child substance use, and to expand access to these services in culturally appropriate ways. As the safety net for Los Angeles County residents, we must leave no one behind.”
District 3 Supervisor Lindsey Horvath said in a statement, “Overdose deaths are preventable—and this year’s encouraging decline proves that when we invest in prevention, treatment, education, and harm reduction, we save lives. The fentanyl crisis has left heartbreak in every corner of our communities. Opioids and meth continue to fuel a public health emergency, so we must remain fully committed to confronting it head-on. No one should have to face addiction alone.”
Horvath urged “anyone who is struggling to reach out — help is here. Through our Reaching the 95% initiative, we’re making sure people know treatment is not only available, but accessible, and that recovery is possible.”
Supervisor Janice Hahn warned federal funding cuts threaten overdose reduction efforts.
“The fentanyl epidemic has wreaked havoc on our communities and in response we have used every tool at our disposal, including Narcan and testing kits, to prevent overdoses and save lives,” Hahn, who represents the 4th District, said in a statement. “This new data shows these efforts are working, but this progress is threatened by the steep cuts we are seeing in federal funding. The money we get from the federal government is more than a line item — it is lifesaving.”
Health officials noted that decades of evidence supports “prevention comes first, treatment works, and recovery is possible.” And although the county is in the midst of an “overdose crisis,” data shows that a collaborative approach can advance the goals of “healthier people, safer streets and stronger communities.”
To connect with help for overcoming substance use, county residents can access assistance 24 hours a day by calling 800-854-7771, then selecting Option 2 after the language prompt, officials said.
