Fatal overdose deaths decline in Fayette
News release provided by Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government
Fayette County is experiencing a decline in fatal overdose deaths, a significant step forward in the community’s fight against the opioid abuse, Mayor Linda Gorton said today.
According to recent data, the county has seen a measurable reduction in overdose fatalities, from 177 in 2023, to 120 in 2024. “This is a testament to the collaborative efforts of local programs, organizations, healthcare providers, and harm reduction initiatives,” Gorton said.
The decline is an encouraging sign that our comprehensive approach is having an impact, said Carmen Combs Marks, Lexington’s program coordinator for its Substance Use Disorder Intervention Program. “Through prevention, treatment, recovery services, and harm reduction strategies, we are working together as a community to save lives and support individuals on their path to healing.”
Scott Luallen, who works with Marks, canvasses the community regularly to administer Naloxone in a non-traditional approach to reach all people in the community. From 2024 to today he has distributed over 5,000 kits.
The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department has also played a key role in the reduction efforts. “This is a testament to the work being done by so many in this community to help save every life possible,” said John Moses, team leader of Harm Reduction Services at the Health Department. “The people with substance use disorder are members of this community, and we do this work for them and their families. The partnership between the Health Department and the city, working with strong community partners, will continue to make great strides in combatting the opioid epidemic.”
The Lexington Fire Department, including its Community Paramedicine program, continues to have an impact. The Lexington Fire Department’s Quick Response Team distributed 230 Narcan kits to individuals and their families in 2024, continuing their critical mission of harm reduction and emergency response. In total, 356 overdoses were successfully reversed in 2024 by Lexington firefighters, underscoring the vital role of the department in the ongoing fight against opioids.
All of our police officers all carry naloxone in their cruisers, and administer it, when necessary. Over the past two years, police officers have administered naloxone over 180 times.
While the decline in fatal overdoses is a positive development, the city recognizes there’s still work to do, Gorton said. “Every life lost to addiction is one too many.”
The city will continue investing in sustainable solutions, Gorton said. The Opioid Abatement Commission has provided recommendations to the Mayor on how to use local opioid litigation funds, which will be used to help stop opioid abuse. She is reviewing them.
The Commission, in partnership with local organizations, is committed to expanding evidence-based programs, increasing access to care, and addressing the root causes of substance use disorder in Fayette County.
Key initiatives that have been part of the city’s comprehensive approach and contributed to the decline of overdose deaths have included:
- Expanded Access to Treatment: Increased availability of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) and peer recovery support services.
- Harm Reduction Programs: Distribution of naloxone (Narcan) and fentanyl test strips, along with syringe service programs aimed at preventing fatal overdoses through partnerships with LFUCG Substance Use Disorder Program, Lexington Fayette County Health Department and LFUCG Paramedicine to name a few.
- Community Education & Awareness: Public health campaigns reducing stigma and encouraging those struggling with opioid use disorder (OUD) to seek help.
- Law Enforcement & First Responder Engagement: Improved training for emergency responders to administer life-saving interventions.
- Investment in Recovery & Family Support: Strengthened resources for individuals and families affected by addiction.
- For more information on local resources and ongoing initiatives, visit: Substance Use Disorder Intervention Program
News release provided by Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government
https://www.lexingtonky.gov/news/fatal-overdose-deaths-decline-fayette
