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.”
Supreme Court declines to hear challenge to Maryland ban on rifles known as assault weapons
Wealthy New Yorkers are ditching idyllic Manhattan townhouses for doorman
Young Ugandans tangle in the mud. They dream of becoming professional wrestlers
China's express delivery sector sees double
Trump accepts a VP debate but wants it on Fox News. Harris has already said yes to CBS
The astonishing effect of stem cell implants
China sets 2024 GDP growth target at around 5%, showing confidence in economic recovery
CPEC hydropower station starts impoundment in NW Pakistan
Georgia Republicans choose Amy Kremer, organizer of pro
Hengqin starts new customs operation in S China
Nadal returns to Roland Garros to practice amid doubts over fitness and form
New focus boosting global supply chains