ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The latest numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show a nationwide decline in overdose deaths. 

According to the CDC, there was a 10% drop in overdose deaths during the 12-month period from April 2023 to April 2024. The same data shows that overdose deaths in Florida went down by 12.6% during that time period.

Some experts say they believe increased use of naloxone, commonly known by the brand name Narcan, is a driving factor behind the promising trend. 

The Catcher’s Mitt in Clearwater is a recovery-based respite home run by the Recovery Epicenter Foundation. Shannon Smith is six years clean and works there as lead peer support.

Smith said Narcan is always on hand at the respite home in case someone relapses. She was there during one such situation when staff had to use Narcan to revive a resident who overdosed. 

“In the heat of the moment, it was adrenaline. Let’s get things done, let’s save a life,” Smith said of the experience. “Luckily, the Narcan did work before the EMT’s got here.”

The Recovery Epicenter Foundation has handed out free Narcan to beach businesses the past two spring break seasons and Smith said this year people were more receptive.

“I think there was only one when I was out there that declined it. So, the stigma, I don’t think is as bad as it used to be,” Smith said. “Because something as simple as this can save a life."

While the decline is a welcome sign that drug intervention strategies may be working, the CDC still reports a staggering number of overdose deaths for that same 12-month time period ending in April: more than 100,000 deaths nationwide, including 7,910 in Florida.

For information on resources available to help, visit the Recovery Epicenter Foundation website.