NEW YORK (AP) — The number of U.S. fatal overdoses fell last year, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data posted Wednesday. Agency officials noted the data is provisional and could change after more analysis, but that they still expect a drop when the final counts are in. It would be only the second annual decline since the current national drug death epidemic began more than three decades ago. Experts reacted cautiously. One described the decline as relatively small, and said it should be thought more as part of a leveling off than a decrease. Another noted that the last time a decline occurred — in 2018 — drug deaths shot up in the years that followed. “Any decline is encouraging,” said Brandon Marshall, a Brown University researcher who studies overdose trends. “But I think it’s certainly premature to celebrate or to draw any large-scale conclusions about where we may be headed long-term with this crisis.” |
University in Beijing Holds Activities for Students to Ring in Spring FestivalRare, Endangered Plants Reintroduced into China's Three Gorges Reservoir AreaIn Pics: Athletes Shine at China's 14th National Winter GamesYoung Lodgers Bring Joy to Elderly Nursing Home Residents' LivesPush for More Parental Care Leave Gathers PaceEfforts to Improve Lives of Those with Disabilities LaudedPush for More Parental Care Leave Gathers PacePeople Perform Folk Dances in NW China's ShaanxiIn a First, Marriage Registration Office Provides Documents in BrailleYoung Lodgers Bring Joy to Elderly Nursing Home Residents' Lives