ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – Recent data shows a significant drop in overdose deaths in Northeast Florida.
Dr. Wendolyn Sneed, the medical examiner for St. Johns, Putnam, and Flagler counties, said all three counties have experienced a decline in overdose deaths so far this year.
Dr. Sneed noted that the morgue in St. Johns County is witnessing far fewer overdose deaths. Year-to-date statistics reveal that last year, there were 27 overdose deaths in St. Johns County, while this year, that number has dropped to just nine.
In Putnam County, year-to-date statistics show there are five overdose deaths this year, down from 14 at this point last year. Flagler County reports seven overdose deaths year-to-date, compared to nine at the same time last year.
“I am hoping that it is permanent, but at this point, I don’t think we can say other than that we see a downward trend, a significant one,” Dr. Sneed added.
Despite the encouraging news, she emphasized that overdose deaths remain a serious issue, with such incidents being the second leading cause of death after falls under the category of accidents in St. Johns County.
When it comes to overdose deaths, the majority of these cases involve a mixture of fentanyl and methamphetamine.
“It is always welcome to see that fewer people are dying from drugs,” she remarked.
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Susan Pittman, founder of Drug Free Duval, highlighted the importance of awareness and noted a decrease in drugs crossing the border, as well as a significant reduction in seizures.
“We work closely with the DEA,” she said.
Pittman shared statistics that reflect the broader trend in Florida.
“Last year, there was a 26 percent decrease, down from 25.9 percent the year prior, and the year before that was a 7 percent decrease,” she explained.
While 2024 numbers are not yet available, she provided figures from 2022 to 2023 for Duval County. In 2022, there were 518 overdose deaths, which dropped to 441 in 2023—a reduction of 77 deaths. Pittman believes this trend will continue.
“We have had enormous decreases, which is great,” she stated.
However, both experts acknowledge that drug threats evolve, and they remain vigilant for new challenges on the horizon.
