Drug overdose deaths decline in Buchanan County

By Jenna Wilson

After a trend of rising overdose deaths in Buchanan County in previous years, the area saw the number decrease during 2023.

In 2022, 42 overdose deaths were reported in Buchanan County. During 2023, the county saw a 33% decrease, with 28 overdose deaths being reported.

During the beginning of the 2023 year, Buchanan County was on track to surpass the number of overdose deaths in the prior year, making the decrease a surprise to county officials.

“I was pleasantly surprised to see that kind of decrease,” said Buchanan County medical examiner Adam Wineinger. “I was concerned we were going to have an increase once again. I think the consensus opinion is that the availability of Narcan has helped drive down overdose deaths, but I really think it goes beyond that, because we also saw a decrease of methamphetamine deaths, which Narcan can’t treat.”

While the types of drugs that victims are frequently overdosing on remain the same, fentanyl and methamphetamines, the average age of overdose victims often fluctuates, as in 2022, the common age was 37, and last year that age jumped to 42.

“A lot of times the public thinks the overdoses are all young people, but it affects all ages,” Wineinger said. “Commonly, the age does skew a little bit younger than 60s.”

The Buchanan County Medical Examiner’s office receives requests for autopsies on all suspicious deaths ranging from homicides to accidental, but the majority are from illicit drug use. Each autopsy costs the county over $2,000, Wineinger said.

Officials say education and drug treatment programs will continue to be key factors in keeping the number of drug overdose deaths down.

“I feel strongly about seeking out treatment for anyone who needs help,” Wineinger said. “Narcan is something that should never be used as a crutch for drug addiction, but people should know it is now available over the counter and many health centers around town offer it for free.”