Drug overdose deaths throughout Los Angeles County declined 22% last year compared to the previous year, according to a report released Wednesday by the Department of Public Health.
It’s the most significant drop in county history, led by an unprecedented decrease in fentanyl-related deaths.
The number of accidental overdose deaths or poisonings involving fentanyl decreased by 37% in 2024, the first reduction since county officials began routinely testing for the drug, according to the report. Methamphetamine-related overdose deaths decreased by 20% last year, compared to 2023…