SALEM, Ore. (May. 14, 2026) — Oregon recorded a decline in drug overdose deaths for the second consecutive year in 2025, according to preliminary federal data and a newly released report from the Oregon Health Authority, marking the state’s first year-over-year decrease in overdose fatalities since 2016.
The report found that approximately 1,100 people died from overdoses in 2025, though officials said that number is expected to rise slightly as additional data is finalized. In 2024, Oregon reported 1,544 overdose deaths, down from 1,833 in 2023.
State officials said the decline reflects expanded investments in prevention, treatment and harm reduction programs across Oregon, even as fentanyl and methamphetamine continue to drive the majority of fatal overdoses.
“This improvement is the result of deep partnerships between state agencies, behavioral health providers, local officials and law enforcement and shows what is possible when all of us work together,” Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek said in a statement. “We have to stay on track. Together, we can save the lives of our neighbors, friends and family members.”
According to the report, more than 90% of overdose deaths involved fentanyl, methamphetamine or a combination of the two drugs. Officials also noted that polysubstance use remains a significant factor in Oregon’s overdose crisis.
In 2024, 62.2% of overdose deaths involved multiple substances, with fentanyl and methamphetamine involved in 70% of those cases.
John W. McIlveen, Oregon’s State Opioid Treatment Authority, said the data suggest prevention and treatment investments are making a difference, though underserved communities continue to face disproportionate impacts from addiction and overdoses.
Hospital systems and emergency departments also continued to face heavy demand tied to overdoses in 2024. The report documented 4,193 inpatient overdose-related hospitalizations and 10,365 overdose-related emergency room visits statewide. Officials said those figures do not include overdoses reversed in the community through naloxone and other opioid-reversal medications.
The Oregon Health Authority said the state’s response has included funding for the Save Lives Oregon Harm Reduction Clearinghouse, expanded opioid treatment services, Behavioral Health Regional Networks available in every county, and additional prevention and peer support programs.
Tom Jeanne, deputy state health officer and deputy state epidemiologist for OHA, said continued investment will be necessary to sustain the downward trend.
“The sustained decline in overdose deaths is encouraging to see, but we still have a long way to go,” Jeanne said. “Continued investment by the state and community partners across the full spectrum of prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery is needed to keep overdoses on a downward trajectory.”
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