Sam Bourdon News Today

As advocates and legislators fight the fentanyl crisis, latest numbers show the drug continues to contribute to more than half of all drug overdoses in Colorado.

The organization will receive $100,000 per year for at least two years from the Opioid Abatement Council, with opportunities to renew the grant for an 18-year period of funding.

After two years of surging overdose deaths, Colorado's overdose rates plateaued in 2022. But they remain at near-all time highs, and officials warned that there's no end in sight for fentanyl's dominance.

After two years of surging overdose deaths, Colorado's overdose rates plateaued in 2022. But they remain at near-all time highs, and officials warned that there's no end in sight for fentanyl's dominance.

For the first time in three years, the number of fentanyl-involved overdose deaths in the state plateaued, signaling hope for families and government agencies that Coloradans are becoming keenly aware of the drug’s deadly scope. Numbers obtained by The Denver Gazette from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment show that 920 people in the state died from fentanyl poisoning in 2022, up .09% from the 2021 when 912 people lost their lives.

Colorado's Naloxone Bulk Purchase Fund allows school districts to purchase naloxone at low or no cost.

Colorado's Naloxone Bulk Purchase Fund allows school districts to purchase naloxone at low or no cost.

Today on Colorado Edition, we explore local and statewide efforts to prevent overdose deaths and reduce harm. We also hear about a report commissioned by the Interior Department that outlines serious problems at tribal jails.

Last November, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicated that for the first time, drug overdose deaths topped 100,000 annually. In Colorado, nearly 1,500 people died from drug-related overdose deaths in 2020. We explore local and statewide efforts to prevent overdose deaths and reduce harm.