CDC

CDC report highlights trends in fentanyl-involved nonfatal overdoses

May 14, 2025

CDC's analysis shows a significant increase in fentanyl-involved nonfatal overdose ED visits from late 2020 through mid-2023, followed by a decline through early 2024. The highest rates and largest increases were observed among non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native persons. Overall rates increased 8.7% per quarter from Q4 2020 to Q3 2023, then declined 11% per quarter from Q3 2023 to Q1 2024.

Despite the recent decline, fentanyl-involved nonfatal overdose ED visits remain high (a rate of 2.9 per 10,000 ED visits in Q1 2024, vs. 1.4 in Q4 2020). ED interventions to enhance naloxone access and availability, as well as to improve linkage to and retention in evidence-based care for individuals who've experienced an overdose, could significantly reduce future nonfatal and fatal overdoses.

Source:

Pickens CM, et al. (2025, May 8). CDC. Trends in Suspected Fentanyl-Involved Nonfatal Overdose Emergency Department Visits, by Age Group, Sex, and Race and Ethnicity — United States, October 2020–March 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7416a2.htm