Local drug overdose rates dropped by about 38 percent from 2023 to 2024, as reported by the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). | Chart: DHHS.
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Recent statistics from the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) indicate a notable decline in opioid overdose fatalities over the past two years, marking the lowest figures since 2020.
During a presentation on the ongoing syringe exchange initiative at a Humboldt County Board of Supervisors meeting, Public Health Officer Dr. Candy Stockton credited the drop in local overdose fatalities to improved access to emergency medications like naloxone, commonly known as Narcan.
“Our participants reported nearly 280 overdose reversals in the past year,” Stockton stated. “Considering that about 50 overdose deaths occurred in Humboldt County last year, it’s really significant to think how much worse it could have been without these naloxone distributions.”
In 2020, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office tallied 32 drug overdose fatalities, which climbed to 53 in 2021. Within that span, fentanyl-related deaths surged 377 percent, increasing from nine in 2020 to 34 in 2021, pushing Humboldt County into a fentanyl crisis. The total of overdose deaths exceeded 80 in 2022, but those figures have been consistently declining through 2023 and into 2024.
“While our overdose death rates have gradually decreased over the last three years, we’re still losing 50 individuals we care about to overdose,” Stockton remarked. “The current projections suggest we might see similar or slightly elevated numbers this year. Thus, the work in overdose prevention remains critically vital in our community.”
Furthermore, Stockton mentioned a “dramatic decrease” in local hepatitis C rates over the past five years, which she partly attributed to syringe exchange programs.
“The approach of both treating and curing hepatitis C, alongside limiting its spread among those already infected, has tremendously helped our community tackle this serious condition,” Stockton said. “[These programs] significantly contribute to lowering the rates of HIV and hepatitis C transmissions, while also reducing overdose deaths among drug users.”
“There’s extensive data indicating that [syringe exchange programs] do not contribute to increased drug use, even though some people worry about that,” she added. “Additionally, regions with active syringe service programs have actually reported lower rates of syringe litter, fewer needle stick injuries among law enforcement, and reduced crime rates when compared to areas without such programs.”
After the presentation, Fifth District Supervisor Steve Madrone noted that “addiction has impacted our families in various ways” and expressed gratitude toward DHHS for their efforts. “The data suggests these programs have a positive impact,” he continued. “While we’re not Portugal with its heroin shops, our goal is to provide safer alternatives, not drugs.”
On the other hand, First District Supervisor Rex Bohn expressed some doubt.
“I appreciate what you’re doing … but I’m just an older guy here, and it seems like we’re giving out supplies for smoking an illegal product without adding more tobacco licenses?” he rhetorically questioned. “Dealing with fentanyl usage will also require law enforcement. If they can’t access that product, maybe they’ll consider seeking help.”
Likewise, Board Chair Michelle Bushnell stated her past hesitance regarding needle exchange programs, citing a desire for better monitoring. “It’s not that I disagree with the idea,” she said, “but I want it to be more — I guess more appropriately vetted? That’s not quite the word I’m looking for — I recognize the transition from injectable drugs to pills has progressed, which is unfortunate, so perhaps we can find solutions in the future.”
Supervisors Natalie Arroyo and Mike Wilson both favored supporting the program, with Wilson moving to approve and file the report, which passed unanimously.
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