Lake County recorded the largest percentage decline in overdose death rates among 550 U.S. counties included in a recent analysis of federal mortality data, highlighting the impact of years of local collaboration, prevention efforts, treatment expansion and recovery support.
According to an analysis by AddictionResource.net, reported by WAKR radio, Lake County’s overdose death rate declined 75.2 percent between 2020 and 2025, falling from 40 deaths per 100,000 residents to 9.9.
Additionally, the statewide overdose death rate declined 53.2 percent during the same period, the largest percentage decrease among the 50 states, officials noted…