Deaths on the streets in the US are falling at the fastest rate ever seen, according to a new report was published on Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Preliminary data shows approximately 97,000 fatal overdoses in a 12-month period. This is a decrease of approximately 14.5 percent from a year earlier. Public health officials say the decline translates to more than 16,000 lives saved and marks the lowest level of drug deaths in nearly four years.

“The latest data shows that our efforts are working,” said Dr. Rahul Gupta, director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy. “Every life saved means one less grieving family and community.”

In September, addiction experts around the United States began reporting a sudden and seemingly steep decline in fatal overdoses. Before 2023, drug deaths had spiraled, sometimes climbing more than 30% per year. Death peaked at more than 111,000 2022, then slightly decreased last year.

Experts are now racing to understand why the trend changed so quickly.

Some credit better addiction treatment and the widespread use of the drug naloxone, which reverses an opioid overdose. Researchers also point to less potent fentanyl being sold on the streets in some American communities. High death tolls in recent years may also mean fewer vulnerable people living with addiction.

Regardless of the cause, the latest CDC data — covering the 12-month period ending in June of this year — suggests that the decline in fatal overdoses is continuing and may actually be accelerating.

However, some experts worry that the decline in drug deaths will mean less focus on funding and health care programs for people who use street drugs.

“One of the concerns is that as overdoses decrease, there will be complacency,” said Dr. Brian Hurley, director of the American Society of Addiction Medicine. “One of our messages is to make sure there is a sustained focus.”

Public health officials also point out that improvements in drug overdose deaths over the past year have largely benefited white communities. Some black and Native American communities have actually seen drug overdose deaths increase.

Speaking with NPR in September, Gupta called for more funding for addiction treatment and health care in these communities. “There’s no way we’re going to beat this epidemic by not focusing on communities that are often marginalized, underserved and communities of color,” he said.

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