Manchin Statement On 10.6% National Decline In Overdose Deaths

Manchin Statement On 10.6% National Decline In Overdose Deaths

Washington, DC - Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (I-WV) released the following statement on yesterday's news that overdose deaths declined by 10.6% in the United States and by 11.56% in West Virginia between April 2023 and April 2024. This is the first time since 2020 that national overdose deaths have decreased.

"Yesterday's news represents significant progress in our fight against the devastating drug epidemic that has touched every corner of West Virginia and the entire country. Our relentless, bipartisan efforts are working - in the past year alone, we've directed millions to the Drug Free Communities program, the Overdose Data to Action States program and many more federal substance use prevention initiatives. We've passed the Fentanyl Eradication and Narcotics Deterrence (FEND) Off Fentanyl Act, continued to implement the Protecting Jessica Grubb's Legacy Act (Legacy Act) and designated National Fentanyl Awareness Day in May and National Naloxone Awareness Day in June. We've expanded access to naloxone, pushed the Federal Drug Administration to reform their opioid approval process and enhanced youth education around substance use.

"While there is still so much more work to be done to combat the crisis, this more than 10% decline is a powerful sign of hope towards an America in which every single community is safe, healthy and drug-free. I pledge to build on this momentum and continue doing absolutely everything in my power to protect my fellow West Virginians and Americans from the drug epidemic."

More information on the decline is available here.