The number of people who died from drug overdoses in Greene County dropped again last year, although officials aren’t sure what caused the decrease in fatalities. Ten people died from overdoses in 2023, making it the least deadly year in the county in five years, when four people died in 2018. “It’s hard to say […]
The number of overdose deaths in Greene County appears to have reached a “status quo” despite efforts from county officials to fight the drug epidemic.
The number of fatal drug overdoses increased in Greene County last year as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic prevented some people from attending in-person counseling options and programs.
Overshadowed by the the COVID-19 pandemic, the opioid crisis continues in the U.S and southwestern Pennsylvania.
Stress, isolation, limited access to resources, and job losses are all factors that could be attributing to the rising rates of substance abuse and overdoses during the coronavirus epidemic, local experts said.
Last year, 12 people died from accidental overdoses in Greene County, while nearly 100 people died in Washington County in 2020, according to Coroner Tim Warco.
âItâs very much a concern,â said Cheryl Andrews, executive director of the Washington County Drug and Alcohol Commission. âIf we want to put a message out there, itâs that help is available. People can still go to treatment.â