Oregon Overdose Deaths Declined in 2024 and 2025, State Reports

PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon saw a decline in overdose deaths over the past two years, according to new provisional federal data and a report released by the Oregon Health Authority, marking the first year-over-year decrease since 2016.

Preliminary data show approximately 1,100 overdose deaths occurred in 2025, continuing a downward trend that officials caution may rise slightly as additional records are processed. In 2024, 1,544 Oregonians died from drug overdoses, down from 1,833 deaths recorded in 2023.

State officials credited the decline to expanded prevention, treatment and harm reduction efforts coordinated among public health agencies, behavioral health providers, local governments and law enforcement.

“This improvement is the result of deep partnerships between state agencies, behavioral health providers, local officials and law enforcement and shows what is possible when all of us work together,” said Tina Kotek. “We have to stay on track. Together, we can save the lives of our neighbors, friends and family members.”

Despite the decline, fentanyl and methamphetamine remain major drivers of overdose deaths statewide. According to John W. Mcllveen, Oregon’s State Opioid Treatment Authority, more than 90% of overdose deaths involved fentanyl, methamphetamine or a combination of both substances.

Mcllveen said historically underserved communities continue to experience disproportionate impacts from the opioid crisis, though the latest data suggest state investments are making a difference.

“But with fentanyl and methamphetamine still involved in most deaths, continued collaboration is critical to sustaining this progress,” he said.

The report also highlighted the ongoing strain on hospitals and emergency services. In 2024, Oregon recorded 4,193 overdose-related hospitalizations and 10,365 overdose-related emergency room visits. Officials noted those numbers do not include overdoses reversed in the community through naloxone or other opioid-reversal medications.

Polysubstance use also remains a significant concern. The report found 62.2% of overdose deaths in Oregon in 2024 involved multiple substances, with fentanyl and methamphetamine involved in 70% of those cases.

State leaders said addressing the overdose crisis requires a coordinated, multi-agency approach targeting the root causes of addiction while expanding access to treatment and recovery services.

Among the initiatives cited in the report were funding for the Save Lives Oregon Harm Reduction Clearinghouse, expanded opioid treatment programs, statewide Behavioral Health Regional Networks and prevention and peer support services.

“The sustained decline in overdose deaths is encouraging to see, but we still have a long way to go,” said Tom Jeanne, deputy state health officer and deputy state epidemiologist at OHA. “Continued investment by the state and community partners across the full spectrum of prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery is needed to keep overdoses on a downward trajectory.”

Officials encouraged Oregonians to learn how to administer naloxone, connect with regional overdose prevention coordinators and seek additional prevention and recovery resources through OHA programs.