Broome County Health Department Releases 2025 Overdose Data

Health Officials Report Reduction in Suspected Overdoses Over the Last Year and Announce Next Round of Opioid Settlement Funds

(BROOME COUNTY, NY) - The Broome County Health Department's (BCHD) Overdose Prevention Program (OPP) released 2025 overdose data today, showing progress in the county's ongoing efforts to combat the opioid epidemic.

According to the 2025 data, suspected fatal overdoses in Broome County decreased by 43% from 49 in 2024 to 28 in 2025. Non-fatal overdoses also decreased 29% compared to the previous calendar year.

Marissa Knapp, Director of the Overdose Prevention Program at the Broome County Health

Department and Chair of the Broome Overdose Action Collaborative (BOAC) said, "I truly

believe the reduction in overdoses can largely be attributed to all of the humans doing the work! We have agencies, people, leaders and resources available in Broome County to promote harm reduction, education, prevention, and treatment along with a multifaceted approach to help meet people where they are at. While this number makes me feel proud, we still have work to do because one life lost, is one too many."

Narcan distribution across Broome County increased by 438% in 2025, supported by nine local agencies that train, educate, and distribute the life-saving medication throughout the region.

"These results show that when we invest in people, programs, and partnerships, we can save lives," said Broome County Executive Jason Garnar. "This progress didn't happen overnight. It's the result of years of work by our Broome County Health Department, law enforcement, service providers, and community partners who never gave up. While we're encouraged by these numbers and the impact of our work, we know our responsibility it to keep building on this momentum and saving more lives."

Historical overdose data and annual statistics are publicly available through the Broome Overdose Action Collaborative on the Broome County website at www.broomecountyny.gov/boac/data_statistics.

The OPP also announced the next round of Requests for Proposals (RFP) for the Opioid Settlement Funding. The New York State Attorney General filed an extensive lawsuit against large pharmaceutical manufacturers in March of 2019 which resulted in a settlement being awarded to New York State to address drug misuse, substance use disorders, both fatal and non-fatal overdoses and recreational substance use. The goal of this funding is to be used for, but not limited to, treatment, recovery, harm reduction, prevention, and education efforts. Proposals are encouraged to look at population needs across the life span, Broome County specific needs and prioritize underserved populations. Broome County was among one of the counties severely affected by the opioid epidemic and has received funding for interventions.

The RFP opened January 20, 2026, and applications are due by March 16, 2026. Funds will be available for community-based organizations, non-for-profit agencies, municipalities, and privately owned businesses. Applicants will be asked to target at least 1 of the approved uses from the "Schedule C Approved Uses" document that can be found in the RFP. Additionally, work for the award must be completed in Broome County.

The grant applications can be found at : Overdose Prevention Program | Broome County

Successful applicants will be awarded a contract from June 1, 2026 - May 31, 2028, contingent upon successful program performance.

"We continue to look for innovative ways to address the overdose epidemic in Broome County and are thankful to the many partnering community agencies who continue to work to save lives," added the Director of Public Health, Olivia Catalano. "These awarded funds will continue to support efforts focused on prevention, education, treatment, harm reduction and recovery in Broome County."