New Hampshire Reports 33% Drop Drug Overdose Deaths 2024

New Hampshire experienced a significant decline in drug-related deaths in 2024, with fatalities dropping to the lowest level in over a decade and marking a 33.4% decrease from 2023. This turnaround comes after the state had one of the highest drug overdose mortality rates nationally in 2015, second only to West Virginia. The New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute attributes this progress largely to increased funding—over $834.7 million since 2014—for substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery services, supported by federal grants, Medicaid expansion, and opioid settlement funds. Despite these improvements, opioids remain the primary driver, involved in about 83.6% to 86.3% of drug-related deaths. The report warns that ongoing challenges such as provider shortages, regional disparities, and housing instability persist, and potential cuts to Medicaid and state funding could threaten the gains made. Continued investment and innovation are deemed essential to sustain and build on this progress to prevent a reversal of the positive trend.