DELMARVA – A new report from the CDC shows drug overdoses fell nationally between 2022 and 2023.

But how did Maryland and Delaware stack up at the state level?

Maryland and Delaware showed small declines in the age-adjusted rate of drug overdose deaths and while those declines may be small, they are a step in the right direction.

“I believe that the numbers are falling in Maryland, in particular Wicomico County or the Eastern Shore, because we are providing a lot of education and awareness into the community,” said Michelle Hardy, Director of the Local Behavioral Health Authority of Wicomico County.

Education and awareness is just one of the keys to falling overdose rates according to Hardy, but she said there is still work to be done.

“Even though we are seeing decreases in overdoses in the community overall, we are seeing an increase in overdoses of those that are age 55 and older and those that are minorities in communities of color,” said Hardy.

In Maryland the age-adjusted rate of drug overdose deaths fell from 40.3 to 39.3, while in Delaware that rate fell from 55.3 to 53.

Breaking down the stigma and letting people know there’s help may be what helps that rate continue to fall.

Don Keister with Attack Addiction says the availability of life saving medication may also be a step in the right direction.

“The increased availability of naloxone, Narcan available for families, they’re able to access that, it’s a real life saver for a lot of folks,” said Keister.

Still, letting people know about the dangers of drug use may be the best way to help combat drug overdoses.

“We are seeing drugs that are being laced with fentanyl and xylazine, xylazine does not respond to a naloxone administration, so we just have to be very aware of all of those sorts of things,” said Hardy.

As always, if you or someone you know may have a drug addiction, you are encouraged to reach out and get help.

Attack Addiction will be holding a 5k on March 1st in Old Newcastle.