NEW YORK (AP) — The number of U.S. fatal overdoses fell last year, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data posted Wednesday.
Agency officials noted the data is provisional and could change after more analysis, but that they still expect a drop when the final counts are in. It would be only the second annual decline since the current national drug death epidemic began more than three decades ago.
Experts reacted cautiously. One described the decline as relatively small, and said it should be thought more as part of a leveling off than a decrease. Another noted that the last time a decline occurred — in 2018 — drug deaths shot up in the years that followed.
“Any decline is encouraging,” said Brandon Marshall, a Brown University researcher who studies overdose trends. “But I think it’s certainly premature to celebrate or to draw any large-scale conclusions about where we may be headed long-term with this crisis.”
Siblings trying to make US water polo teams for Paris Olympics
Sydney mall stabbing: Officer, bystanders hailed for confronting and stopping attacker
China In Perspective: Confidence, certainty and potential behind China's 2024 growth target
Sydney mall stabbing: Police identify the attacker who killed 6 people
Georgia Republicans choose Amy Kremer, organizer of pro
Pereira retains light heavyweight title with 1st
Shota Imanaga continues strong start to major league career as Cubs top Mariners 4
Green shift places remote northeastern Chinese city in spotlight
College baseball notebook: Conference tournaments to decide NCAA automatic bids and many at
Comedy films dominate as China's Spring Festival box office hits record high