Fewer overdoses in Steuben County in March 2023 compared to last year

FILE – The overdose-reversal drug Narcan is displayed during training for employees of the Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC), Dec. 4, 2018, …

FILE – The overdose-reversal drug Narcan is displayed during training for employees of the Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC), Dec. 4, 2018, in Philadelphia. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved selling overdose antidote naloxone over-the-counter, Wednesday, March 29, 2023, marking the first time a opioid treatment drug will be available without a prescription. […]

by: Carl Aldinger

Posted: Apr 4, 2023 / 01:07 PM EDT

Updated: Apr 7, 2023 / 02:06 PM EDT

Update: Steuben County Health announced that more data was added to the March 2023 numbers, raising the total number of overdoses from 20 to 29.

BATH, N.Y. (WETM) – The number of opioid overdoses in Steuben County dropped in March 2023 compared to the same time last year, and no one died from an overdose, according to the Steuben County Public Health Department.

The Health Department announced that in March 2023, there were 29 reported overdoses, eight reported uses of naloxone, and zero opioid-related deaths. Public Health Director Darlene Smith said this was an 11% decrease in the number of overdoses compared to March 2022.

“While it is too soon to draw definitive conclusions, there are many organizations working to reduce opioid overdoses and deaths, and it would be wonderful for those efforts to be reflected in the numbers throughout the whole year,” Smith said.

In February, the Health Department said the 2023 numbers were on pace with 2022. Last year, there were 289 overdoses, 12 deaths, and 92 Narcan administrations.

Anyone looking to get Narcan training can visit the Steuben County Website or call 607-664-2438.

Help is also available at the following numbers: