New Study Highlights New York's Decline in Overdose Deaths

Drug overdose deaths in New York State, and Chautauqua County in particular, have fallen dramatically over the past three to five years. A study by the addiction recovery guide AddictionResource.net reports the state's overall rate has fallen by 43.5% since hitting its peak in 2022, and Chautauqua County's has fallen by 38.0% from 2020 to 2025. Chautauqua County Health Department Senior Public Health Planner Steve Kilburn says a big reason for that decline is more widespread availability of naloxone, also known as Narcan...

Steve Kilburn: made a big difference

Kilburn says other factors leading to the decline are increased awareness and a diluted supply. He also praised the work of Prevention Works in the county...

Steve Kilburn: getting message across early

Kilburn notes that a few years ago, the county kicked off a new website, CombatAdditionCHQ, which includes information on how to obtain free Narcan.