Despite Augusta families fight for stronger laws, report shows decrease in overdose deaths

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT)- Despite Augusta families fighting for stronger overdose laws, a new report from the CDC found that overdose deaths are down in Georgia and across the country.

Though the new decrease in deaths, this week two people in Burke County were charged under the new fentanyl overdose law called “Austin’s Law”, and we talked to a family of another victim in a different case.

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Reports show Georgia deaths are down nearly 6%. This is the first change in an increasing trend since 2011.

Atlanta

Carrollton Police Chief Joel Richards says the number of overdose deaths is still too high in their community. He’s a part of the FentanylStopsHere campaign. You can see signs across the county.

“We have the resources for mental health, substance abuse homelessness, it’s just getting people to use it,” said Richards.

Grieving family members turned advocates work to saving others.

Zaneta Jones lost her husband Nicholas to an overdose when he was 22 years old. Jones meets with people in active addiction to try to lead them to sobriety.

“I kept thinking he was going to come home and I’m going to get him back and now I don’t get that and that’s what makes it so hard,” said Jones.

The average age for overdose deaths is getting younger. Overdoses are the leading cause of death of people 18 to 45.

Bruce Guthrie lost his son Cody to an overdose at 29 years old. He now speaks at school and public events to warn about the dangers of fentanyl.

“I remember standing outside of the hospital while they brought out the body bag. I made myself watch and I decided there, I was going to fight or die behind him. When I was at Carrollton High School, I opened it up to questions. The question that knocked me over, a high schooler asking me how he could help his friend who was in addictive addiction,” said Guthrie.

Guthrie and Jones now advocate for change in their community. They’re optimistic about the new study, but they are not done with their advocacy work.

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