Oct 6, 2025
A new report from the University of Missouri–St. Louis Addiction Science Team showed a 26% decrease in overdose deaths in Missouri from 2023 to 2024, with 1,450 people dying last year compared to 1,948 the year before. It marks the second year in a row that the state saw a decline in overdose deaths, while the number of opioid-related deaths fell by 36% to its lowest total – 910 – since 2016. “The recent decline in overdose deaths, after years of devastating increases, is encouraging and shows that public health efforts are making a difference,” said Associate Professor Rachel Winograd, who leads the Addiction Science Team and holds a dual appointment in UMSL’s Department of Psychological Sciences and Missouri Institute of Mental Health.
The Addiction Science Team released its report ahead of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s final estimates, noting Missouri’s decline was similar to or slightly greater than the national average. “It’s critical we continue expanding access to overdose prevention, treatment services and recovery supports so this positive momentum keeps up,” Winograd said. The team has focused on implementing harm-reduction strategies, including statewide naloxone distribution, which hit a record high of over 639,000 kits – almost 1.3 million doses – spread throughout Missouri. “We plan to continue to work with first responders, hospitals, outreach groups, treatment providers and recovery organizations to strengthen referral systems,” Winograd said.
