CLEVELAND — The fentanyl epidemic has plagued American streets for more than a decade, taking thousands of lives. However, in recent years, fentanyl overdose deaths have been trending down, offering hope for the future.
“We’re seeing fewer fentanyl fatalities,” Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner Dr. Thomas Gilson said.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2023, U.S. fentanyl overdose deaths fell by 4%. In Cuyahoga County, the change was even more significant, with a 6.5% decrease in fentanyl overdose deaths. The downward trend continued into 2024, with 272 deaths, compared to 469 in 2023…