Charles Town Community Celebrates 43.5% Drop in Overdose Deaths
West Virginia’s overdose deaths plummeted by 43.5% last year, according to early data
WV Metro News | Friday, May 16, 2025
According to preliminary data from the National Center for Health Statistics reported by WV Metro News, overdose deaths in the state have seen an unprecedented 43.5% decrease over the past year, marking a significant turn in the ongoing battle against addiction. Dr. Matthew Christiansen, chief medical officer at Valley Health, and local leaders from towns like Charles Town emphasize the importance of ongoing funding for treatment and prevention efforts. While the improvements signal hope, experts remark that the crisis is far from over, with overdose rates still higher than in 2020. Community resources, availability of naloxone, and federal initiatives are credited as contributors to this positive trend, although continued vigilance is required to sustain these gains.
