ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Monroe County Medical Examiner Dr. Marielena Velez de Brown has released her report into overdose deaths in the county in 2024.
According to the report, it says there was a 43% decrease in deadly opioid and cocaine overdoes from 2023 to 2024, marking the lowest total within the county since 2020.
There were 292 overdose deaths last year, compared to 512 in 2023. The county noted that this decline in overdoses reflects a national trend of fewer deaths, with overdose deaths falling nearly 27% in 2024.
“More families still have their loved ones with them today. But we cannot lose sight of the fact that 292 people still died. And every one of those deaths is a tragedy,” said Velez de Brown.
Velez de Brown says this is likely due to increasing awareness and education, as well as greater access to the opioid reversal drug naloxone.
Of those overdose deaths, the report says just about 75% of them were men, with ages ranging from 20-97. The median age of overdoses with men was 52.
“I personally have reached out through partnerships with the office of mental health to a number of our chemical dependency treatment providers and presented this data to them and asked them about how are we engaging men in treatment. How are we making treatment palatable and acceptable to men of all ages,” said Velez de Brown.
The report noted that Black and Hispanic communities remain “disproportionately affected,” by overdose deaths.
“The data shows progress and challenges. The share of deaths involving black residents declined from nearly 40% in 2023 to about 31% in 2024. And that is a positive shift,” said Velez de Brown. “And it still is almost double their share of the general population in Monroe County. At the same time, the percentage of deaths among Hispanic residents rose from 10% to 14%.”
If you or someone you know is struggling, call the 24/7 hotline for Monroe County at 585-753-5300 or visit Monroe County’s Department of Public Health addiction services website here.
“Addiction is a medical condition, its a chronic disease of the brain’s reward system,” said Velez de Brown. “Its not an indication of lack of morals, willpower, or value.”
For more information and to see previous reports, click here.
Read the full 2024 report below
Overdose deaths in MC investigated by the MCOME 2024_color_v2 (002)DownloadMonroe County sees 43% drop in opioid and cocaine overdose deaths in 2024, report says WHEC.com.
Hence then, the article about monroe county sees 43 drop in opioid and cocaine overdose deaths in 2024 report says was published today ( ) and is available on News10NBC ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Monroe County sees 43% drop in opioid and cocaine overdose deaths in 2024, report says )
Also on site :
- Jason and Travis Kelce’s ‘New Heights’ Launches Retail Hub (Exclusive)
- Saks Global Secures $1.75 Billion of Committed Capital and Announces Return of Industry Veterans to Advance Transformation of Iconic Luxury Portfolio
- Major fire reported in Wolverhampton sending smoke plumes over city - residents speak of hearing 'explosions'