Editor's Note: The story has been amended to more accurately reflect Pima County statistics on overdose deaths.
Nationally, overdose deaths fell by about 27% in 2024. That's the largest one-year decline ever recorded, with nearly 30,000 fewer deaths compared to 2023, according to the Associated Press.
According to the Pima County Medical Examiner's website on annual overdose deaths, the county was also down sharply from 2023 to 2024.
The county did see a spike in January of 2025. Forty-nine people died from overdoses. It was the largest number seen since August of 2023, when 53 people died.
But Arizona as a whole has reported progress, with the Arizona Public Health Association saying overdose deaths have fallen nearly 9% statewide.
Methamphetamine and fentanyl remain the leading drugs in fatal overdoses.
County officials say they are focusing on harm reduction, expanding treatment access and providing more education in response to the crisis.
Resources for treatment and support are available on Pima County’s website.
