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.”
I was 'brokefished' by my friend for £400
China Has over 64,500 Open Online Courses: Report
National Library of China Releases Databases for Dissemination, Study of Ancient Books
Minnesota Uber and Lyft driver pay package beats deadline to win approval in Legislature
China Records 226 Mln Passenger Trips in Spring Festival Holiday
China Focus: TCM Sees Rising Popularity Among Young People
Target to lower prices on basic goods in response to inflation
More Young Chinese Enjoy Visiting Museums
Georgia Republicans choose Amy Kremer, organizer of pro
China's drone industry reports robust development: data