This County Has The Most Overdose Deaths In New York

Opioid addiction, abuse, and fatal overdoses have become a major concern not only in the United States but also here in New York State. Opioids can be legally prescribed - hydrocodone, oxycodone, fentanyl, and morphine or illegally purchased - heroin, fentanyl (illicitly manufactured), and opium.

Top 5 Counties In New York For Opioid Overdose Deaths

Before we get to the county with the highest overdose deaths, let's take a look at the other 4 counties in the top 5. In its Opioid Annual Report 2023, the New York State Department of Health says that opioid deaths are on the rise,

Among NYS residents, there were 5,017 overdose deaths involving any opioid in 2021, an increase of 18.5 percent from 4,233 deaths in 2020. The crude rate of overdose deaths involving any opioid increased from 21.9 per 100,000 population in 2020 to 25.3 per 100,000 population in 2021.

The NYSDOH releases annual data on the number of fatal overdoses in each county. These 4 counties had the highest opioid overdose deaths and rates per 100,000 population in the 2023 report:

5. Chautauqua County - Opioid Overdose Death Rate - 37.9 / Number Of Opioid Overdose Deaths - 48

4. Broome County - Opioid Overdose Death Rate - 38 / Number Of Opioid Overdose Deaths - 75

3. Greene County - Opioid Overdose Death Rate - 45.4 / Number Of Opioid Overdose Deaths - 22

2. Sullivan County - Opioid Overdose Death Rate - 46.4 / Number Of Opioid Overdose Deaths - 37

1. Bronx County - Opioid Overdose Death Rate - 48.8 / Number Of Opioid Overdose Deaths - 695

The county in New York State with the most opioid overdose deaths is...