ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) – Unintentional fatal overdoses are going down in Tompkins County.

According to data from the Tompkins County Whole Health Department (TCWH), there were only three reported OD deaths from January through June, which represents a 77% decrease compared to the same time period last year.

Unintentional fatal overdose refers to the number of deaths by overdose that were ruled accidental, often as a result of tainted drugs or tolerance level.

It follows similar state and national trends, which have recently gone down by 32% and 27%, respectively.

“While we are thrilled to see this decrease in unintentional fatal overdoses, we must not become complacent,” said TCWH Commissioner Jennie Sutcliffe. “We know there is still work to be done to get that number down to zero lives lost. TCWH remains committed to analyzing the disparities of who continues to be impacted by overdose, to identify gaps in services and work collaboratively across sectors to achieve this goal.”

Tompkins County distributed 5,700 Narcan kits throughout the community in 2024. Additionally, over 7,000 people were trained how to use Narcan, which Sutcliffe said is a simple step anyone can take to help.

“Just as we learn CPR or the Heimlich maneuver, carrying Narcan and being trained in its use is another way we can be prepared to respond in an emergency situation to save someone’s life,” added Sutcliffe.

REACH Medical is a nonprofit community partner. CEO Dr. Justine Waldman says the numbers across the country and locally are encouraging and shows that funding for addiction treatment and harm reduction strategies is working and must continue.

“The reopening of the crisis stabilization center will be another important factor in our local efforts, and we look forward to seeing that come to fruition next year,” Waldman added.

TCWH notes that the three unintentional overdose deaths will be in the Demographic Profile when annual data is available for input in the spring.