NEW YORK (AP) — The number of U.S. fatal overdoses fell last year, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data posted Wednesday.
Agency officials noted the data is provisional and could change after more analysis, but that they still expect a drop when the final counts are in. It would be only the second annual decline since the current national drug death epidemic began more than three decades ago.
Experts reacted cautiously. One described the decline as relatively small, and said it should be thought more as part of a leveling off than a decrease. Another noted that the last time a decline occurred — in 2018 — drug deaths shot up in the years that followed.
“Any decline is encouraging,” said Brandon Marshall, a Brown University researcher who studies overdose trends. “But I think it’s certainly premature to celebrate or to draw any large-scale conclusions about where we may be headed long-term with this crisis.”
Liverpool confirms Arne Slot as Jurgen Klopp's replacement
Closing Ceremony of 31st FISU Summer World University Games Held in Chengdu
In Pics: 2023 China Internet Conference in Beijing
China Celebrates National Day with Jubilation and Hope
Shooting injures 2 at Missouri high school graduation ceremony
Xinhua Headlines: China Speeds up Post
Apps simplify expense steps for foreign users
China Post Issues Commemorative Stamp to Mark 10th Anniversary of BRI
Ricky Stenhouse punching Kyle Busch could lead to suspension
Highlights of Cultural Activities at Chengdu Universiade
Amtrak train hits pickup truck in upstate New York, 3 dead including child
Model Workers to Counsel the Young