Orange County sees decrease in opioid-related overdose deaths for the first time in years

Opioid-related overdose deaths in Orange County decreased last year for the first time in years, according to county data, but there’s still a lack of awareness in the community about available resources, support, and what to do in the event of an overdose. Dr. Thomas Hall, director of Orange County’s Coalition for a Drug-Free Community, shared during a virtual discussion hosted by Orlando’s State Rep. Anna Eskamani that overdose deaths involving opioids — particularly the powerful opioid fentanyl — decreased 14% in 2022.