W. Va. sees a continued decline in overdose deaths in 2024

BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. (WDTV) – The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) announced Friday that the state has made continued progress in reducing overdose deaths in 2024.

From January to June 2024, there was a 36% decrease in overdose deaths compared to the same period in 2023.

That reduction exceeds the national average decline of 16.9 percent, showing the impact of West Virginia’s focused prevention, treatment and recovery strategies, officials said.

“This decrease equates to 256 lives saved – 256 people who are still with their families and communities,” said Christina Mullins, DoHS assistant secretary for mental health and substance use disorders. “When we think about what that means, it’s not just a statistic. There are 256 mothers, fathers, sons, daughters and friends who have another chance at life. These numbers remind us why we work so hard to prevent overdose deaths and help those struggling with substance use disorder find their way to recovery.”

On Friday, the DoHS also announced the 2025-2030 substance abuse disorder prevention plan — the “West Virginia Strategic Plan for Primary Prevention of Substance Use, One State, One Vision.”

Key elements of the plan include establishing a comprehensive data and assessment system, promoting strategic collaboration and communication, increasing and aligning investments in prevention infrastructure, and developing unified messages for substance use awareness and education.

“This plan represents an advanced approach to prevention by using data and evidence to guide every decision we make,” said Nicholas Stuchell, Acting Commissioner of the DoHS Office of Behavioral Health. “By strengthening collaboration, communication and investing in prevention, we can ensure more West Virginians have the support they need to live healthy, substance-free lives.”

To view the “West Virginia Primary Substance Use Prevention Strategic Plan,” visit helpandhopewv.org/prevention-plan.