CDC data: West Virginia overdose deaths drop nearly 50% in latest 12-month period

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WCHS) — New CDC data shows a sharp decline in overdose deaths across West Virginia, dropping nearly 50% over a recent 12-month period. However, the report does not identify a single cause for the decrease.

Organizations across the state say progress is likely due to a combination of prevention, treatment and long-term recovery efforts.

The West Virginia First Foundation, which distributes opioid settlement funds, says it has invested heavily in those areas.

“We’ve committed nearly $40 million to over 170 projects throughout the state in those categories,” Executive Director Jonathan Board said.

Board says the collaboration among groups statewide has been key.

“It is all of us and all programs working together with a camaraderie that you rarely see in this space,” he said.

That includes recovery programs like Pollen8, which works directly with people overcoming addiction. Founder and CEO Cheryl Laws says funding has made a noticeable difference.

“There’s momentum, right? That 48% decrease with the funding that has been given is the biggest thing,” Laws said.

While progress is encouraging, Laws says continued effort is critical.

“It has to be a continuum of care. Every piece is important, from harm reduction to longer-term inpatient. I think you see more success rates with that,” she said.

Organizations say maintaining that momentum will be essential to continuing the decline in overdose deaths.

“We still need that momentum going. We just built it. We do not need to go backwards. We need to keep going forward,” Laws said.

Board agrees, emphasizing the long-term impact of the work underway.

“We understand that generations from now people will look back and ask us what we did with the time that was gifted to us. We need to make sure that we respect them,” he said.