Q1 2024 Notable Trends Overdose Deaths:Â
The annual number of fatal drug overdoses in Davidson County has increased each year from 2016 through 2022.
During the first quarter of 2024, there were 92 suspected drug overdose deaths. This is comparable to the number of fatalities in the first quarter or 2018 and 2019.
Fentanyl: Fentanyl was detected in 62.9% of overdose deaths in 2024. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that has contributed to the increased number of drug overdose deaths in Davidson County.
Polysubstance Epidemic: The most frequently detected substances in 2024 were fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine. The percentage of suspected overdose deaths in which cocaine was detected increased by 46.3% in 2024 compared to 2023.
Methamphetamine detections have remained relatively stable.
Emerging Substances: Emerging substances detected include xylazine and fentanyl analogs (fluorofentanyl and acetylfentanyl).
Xylazine detections increased by 150% this quarter compared to the same time period in 2023.
Demographics:
Males (63%) and White individuals (60%) accounted for the majority of overdose deaths in 2024 compared to Black individuals (36%). The 35-44 year old age group (30%) represented the highest number of overdose deaths. During the same time period in 2023, the 45-54 year old age group was highest at 27%.
In 2024, Black Mental Health Village Member, Andrea Hancock, a Regional Overdose Specialist provided training at Vanderbilt University and McGruder Resource Center to educate 45 individuals in overdose prevention. In addition to creating 300 harm-reduction tools, we've passed out over 100 harm-reduction tools to members of our community who need them the most. That's not all! We've been able to add sexual and reproductive health tools to our arsenal of harm-reduction tools.
We are grateful for the continued support from our amazing partners at Remedy Alliance FTP
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