CDC: Indiana Reports Significant Decrease in Overdose Deaths in 2023

Indiana had the second highest percentage decrease among all 50 states.

INDIANAPOLIS – A new report shows overdose deaths decreased significantly in Indiana last year.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Indiana saw a nearly 18 percent decrease in overdose deaths in 2023 – the second highest percentage decrease among all 50 states.

“Hours after I was sworn in as governor in 2017, I signed an executive order creating a new cabinet-level position in state government dedicated to reversing the trend of overdose deaths,” Gov. Holcomb said. “In the seven years since, Indiana has taken thoughtful steps to address this epidemic. This encouraging trend underscores the collective efforts and strategic initiatives implemented to combat substance use throughout our great state.”

An estimated 107,543 drug overdose deaths occurred nationwide in 2023, marking a three percent decline nationally.

Of those deaths, an estimated 2,190 occurred in Indiana, a 17.85 percent decrease from 2022.

In 2018, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approved an extension to Indiana’s existing Section 1115 Medicaid demonstration waiver, expanding coverage for a full-range of substance use disorder treatment services to Hoosier Medicaid members.

In September 2023, Gov. Holcomb unveiled Shatterproof Treatment Atlas, a free, confidential tool to connect Hoosiers in need with appropriate addiction treatment and deliver user-friendly information about the quality of available programs.

Through a partnership with Overdose Lifeline, Inc., an Indiana nonprofit dedicated to helping those affected by substance use disorder, the State of Indiana is distributing roughly 24,000 doses of opioid-reversal agent naloxone each month.

The FSSA has also dedicated over $30 million of the state’s share of national opioid settlement funds to support the creation of 440 new recovery residence beds, implement 15 harm reduction street outreach teams, and expand behavioral health initiatives in the state judicial and correctional systems.

Read more about the State’s efforts in the Next Level Recovery Progress Report, released in December 2023.