drug overdose

Many Midwest states see significant drops in overdose deaths mirroring national trend

Benjamin Thorp, Side Effects Public Media

The rate of drug overdose deaths fell about 4% across the country from 2022 to 2023, including in many parts of the Midwest, according to a February report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Overdose Lifeline, an advocacy organization, describes test strips as a life-saving tool. It distributed more than 170,000 test strips in 2023 despite the uncertainty surrounding the law.

Legislative action to decriminalize test strips unlikely this session

Abigail Ruhman

A bill to decriminalize fentanyl test strips is likely dead after it didn't receive a committee hearing in the Senate.

A recent study in Indianapolis suggested that the increase in overdoses may be linked to people seeking alternatives due to the loss of their stable supply, without knowing their tolerance to other opioids that have varying potency.

States stiffen penalties for fentanyl, despite public health concerns

Amanda Hernández, Indiana Capital Chronicle

A recent study in Indianapolis suggested that the increase in overdoses may be linked to people seeking alternatives due to the loss of their stable supply, without knowing their tolerance to other opioids that have varying potency.