Utah
Fentanyl is the most common drug found in overdose deaths in Utah • Utah News Dispatch
Fentanyl is the most common drug found in overdose deaths in the state, according to a new report from the Utah Department of Health and Human Services.
There were 606 drug overdose deaths reported in 2023, a 14.3% jump from 2022. The report found 290 of those deaths involved fentanyl. Drug overdose deaths peaked in 2015 and haven’t dipped since. More people died from fatal drug overdoses in 2023 than ever before, and for the first time, there are more deaths from fentanyl than methamphetamine, according to the report’s findings.
“The sharp increase in the number of fentanyl-involved deaths outpaces reductions in deaths from prescription opioids,” said Dr. Deirdre Amaro, chief medical examiner. “We will likely see an increase in the drug overdose death rate if this trend continues.”
With a record-number of Utahns dying from overdoses, state announces new fentanyl task force
Utah launched a fentanyl task force, which DHHS is part of, last October to combat the drug market. The objectives of the task force include educating the public, disrupting trafficking networks, partnering with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, addressing the root causes of fentanyl use, collecting data on drug usage, and looking at policies and penalties for those convicted of dealing drugs.
“We appreciate the dedication and support of Governor Cox and the Utah State Legislature in addressing the overdose crisis,” said Tracy Gruber, DHHS executive director. “There’s much work to do but DHHS is committed to preventing unnecessary suffering and death in our families and communities and helping all Utahns have fair and equitable opportunities to live healthy and safe lives.”
The task force met Thursday to discuss the report’s findings.
“Our subgroup leaders identified immediate next steps for action, many of which are now underway, to reduce the impact of fentanyl in our communities,” Gov. Spencer Cox said in a post to X.
Rep. Matthew Gwynn, R-Farr West, has introduced a bill that would make trafficking fentanyl or a fentanyl-related substance a first-degree felony.
In a post to X on Wednesday, the official Utah House Majority account praised the bill.
“Rep. Matt Gwynn’s bill hands out presumptive prison sentences to fentanyl traffickers, increasing penalties while investing in law enforcement programs to disrupt the supply of dangerous drugs in Utah,” the post read.
The report also found that middle-age men have a significantly higher rate of drug overdose death; people who experience homelessness die at a much faster and younger rate than those who are not homeless; and southeastern Utah counties like Emery, Grand, Summit, Daggett, Duchesne and Uintah have higher rates of drug overdoses.
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The Utah Jazz won their final summer league game against the Portland Trail Blazers 83-79. It was a fun game that came down to the wire, with a few Jazz players showing promise that could help the team.
The player who surprisingly didn’t help as much as you’d hope was Blake Hinson, who shot just 1/9 from three. Hinson was a sharpshooter for the Jazz last season, and it’s too bad that he couldn’t show that shooting stroke in the summer league. It’s likely not a big deal, but it would have been nice to see that shooting continue in the summer league. It does make you wonder why all the players who played for Utah last season, or will be getting regular minutes next year, didn’t shoot well in Las Vegas. Is that a trend? Or is it just a coincidence? It makes you wonder if the Jazz have been running hard practices, or if the players are tired from enjoying their time in Las Vegas? There’s no way to really know, but it’s interesting.
Utah’s strongest performer, in terms of plus-minus, was Bez Mbeng. He was a team-leading +14 and, even though he didn’t shoot the ball well either, his defense and intensity really shows on the floor. In this one, Mbeng had 4 steals and handled the ball for a lot of the game. He was also one of the top players in minutes with 20 in this one. I personally really like Mbeng and I’m rooting for him to make the team. I do think he can be a defensive-focused do-it-all player who could really contribute if he keeps improving.
Justin Harmon scored the ball well, leading the team in scoring with a team-leading 21 points. He had 6 free throws in this one and was a positive contributor overall. Harmon could be a nice addition to the training camp roster and, if he can show out, maybe he can earn himself a roster spot. He’s worth watching going forward at the very least.
And with that, the summer league is now over, and we now enter a long summer that will lead into one of the most exciting eras of Jazz basketball I can remember. It will be led by the best prospect in Jazz history to actually suit up for the Utah Jazz, and I can’t wait to see him develop into a superstar wearing the purple and blue.
Jon Anderson will be charged with moving the Orem school forward following the death of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk on campus last year.
(Bethany Baker | The Salt Lake Tribune) Incoming UVU President Jon Anderson poses for a photo with his family after an event announcing his selection at Utah Valley University in Orem on Friday, July 17, 2026.
BEAVER COUNTY, Utah — A massive community effort is underway as volunteers and Beaver County crews distribute thousands of sandbags to protect homes from the potential path of floodwaters.
After the Cottonwood Fires, residents have been waiting for weeks for relief to come in the form of rain, though officials now warn it may come all at once with an increased risk of flooding and debris flow.
Emergency Service Director Les Whitney believes that the fire has left plenty of debris to bring trouble for residents.
“We got a lot of water. We’re bringing debris with it, so tree branches, tree limbs, logs, lots of different size firewood, and that’s all in the creeks. We’re worried about that plugging up our bridges and stuff, so we have heavy equipment and excavators located in strategic places so that we can keep those bridges open,” said Whitney.
An estimated 140 homes and condominiums were spared from the flames, but remain in the paths of floodwaters.
Residents can also pick up sandbags at the Beaver County Sheriff’s Office or at the Beaver County Rodeo Fairgrounds.
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