RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Newly released data shows drug overdose deaths are down dramatically in Virginia.

Preliminary data from the CDC indicates that, unfortunately, over 1,500 Virginians succumbed to drug overdoses in 2024. This is a decline from the more than 2,500 deaths recorded in 2023.

The 38.5% decrease in overdose deaths is the second largest decrease in the country, only behind West Virginia. 

Jesse Wysocki, the Chief Operating Officer at The McShin Foundation, a recovery resource organization based in Richmond, mentioned that government funding for indigent and sober living services, along with other programs, has been instrumental in reducing overdose deaths in Virginia.

“To the state and federal government listening, it is crucial to continue ensuring there are financial resources and funding streams for the services we offer,” Wysocki conveyed to Nexstar’s 8News. “We require funding streams to back peer recovery services. Medicaid must be applicable for substance use disorder treatment. We need funding for sober living arrangements.”

Wysocki added that the prevalence of Narcan has also contributed to the reduction in overdose deaths.