Overdose deaths trend down in Northeast Ohio compared to other parts of state, nation

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - The governor ordered flags at half staff on Aug. 31 to commemorate Ohio’s first-ever Overdose Awareness Day.

Local doctors are grateful that this year the state is joining in s day-long observance recognized by the national and international community.

Dr. Christina Delos Reeyes of University Hospitals said, “I think it just increases awareness and the probability that people will get help in our state. It is a sad day. it is a day for remembering people we’ve lost but it’s also important to remember that help is available, and you can get better.”

According to the CDC, in 2020, 21,000 more Americans overdosed and died compared to the year before. (71,000 in 2019 vs. 92,000 in 2020). This is the largest single-year percentage increase on record since 1999.