MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) -- Tonight, overdose deaths in the state of Alabama have decreased by over 18%. That's according to provisional data from the CDC. Experts in overdose prevention say they hope these trends will continue.
"The notion that you would have Narcan even if you don't 'know someone' was really tricky," said Nichole Dawsey, executive director at the Addiction Prevention Coalition. She said there is a stigma around those who struggle with substance use. "Combining the availability and the increased access with education is what I believe has led to the decrease in deaths," Dawsey said.
Dr. Leah Leisch with the University of Alabama at Birmingham said Jefferson County had 494 deaths in 2023. And in 2024, they've had 299 with 29 still pending. Dr. Leisch said there is a statewide effort in preventing overdoses and making Naloxone available. "Public health kiosks down in Mobile County; they have five different kiosks where people can just sort of walk up and get Naloxone from a vending machine," explained Leisch.
Dawson said you can help bring these numbers down. "Knowing how to recognize the signs of overdose, but, even before we get there, knowing how to talk to your kids and how to talk to your loved ones if they're struggling," said Dawsey. "Knowing what questions to ask and saying, 'are you okay?'"
Dawsey said there is a movement to reintroduce a syringe access bill in this upcoming legislative session. She said this would help protect those who are struggling.