Local officials say Daviess County is experiencing a significant decline in overdose deaths, mirroring a statewide trend highlighted in a recent report from Gov. Andy Beshear’s administration.
According to Daviess County Coroner Jeff Jones, the county recorded 30 overdose deaths in 2022, the highest annual total during his tenure. That number dropped to 20 in both 2023 and 2024 before falling to 12 in 2025. Through the first part of 2026, the county has recorded just two overdose deaths, Jones said.
Jones cautioned that overdose statistics can be complex and should not be confused with the number of deceased individuals who test positive for drugs.
“A person can test positive for a substance in their system, even like fentanyl, but it may not have been what actually caused their death,” Jones said.
For example, he said, someone may test positive for drugs or alcohol but die from suicide, a vehicle crash, or another cause unrelated to intoxication. In those cases, the death would not be classified as an overdose.
The coroner’s office reported 67 toxicology cases involving positive drug tests in 2022, with 30 ultimately ruled overdose deaths. In 2023, 56 cases tested positive. That number fell to 41 in 2024 before rising to 64 in 2025. Through 2026, 23 cases have tested positive for substances.
Jones said the decline in overdose deaths is likely the result of several factors working together.
“I believe it’s multifaceted,” he said. “You have the availability of Narcan, you have the education and prevention programs, you have the treatment and counseling programs, and you still have strong law enforcement getting the product off the streets.”
Jones also serves as chair of the Daviess County Agency for Substance Abuse Policy (ASAP). The group recently recommended purchasing 150 overdose response boxes using opioid settlement funds received by Daviess Fiscal Court.
The boxes contain Narcan, gloves, a CPR mask, and a built-in instructional video showing users how to administer the overdose-reversal medication. Jones said the goal is to place the boxes in schools, colleges, government buildings, and other public locations, similar to automated external defibrillators, or AEDs.
“We felt it was important for the universities, our school systems, the courthouse, the judicial center, and locations like that,” Jones said.
Daviess County Sheriff Brad Youngman said local officials have also seen overdose numbers trend downward.
“Our most recent data in Daviess County shows around a 30% decrease in overdoses,” Youngman said.
Like Jones, Youngman pointed to a combination of factors, including increased public awareness about fentanyl, expanded access to Narcan, prevention efforts, treatment resources, and law enforcement initiatives.
“There’s been a lot of education about the dangers of fentanyl and some of the things that are in drugs now,” Youngman said. “I think some people are taking that to heart.”
The local decline comes as Kentucky continues to report encouraging statewide figures.
Gov. Andy Beshear announced that Kentucky recorded 1,410 overdose deaths in 2024, a 30.2% decrease from 2023 and the third consecutive annual decline. According to the state’s 2024 Kentucky Overdose Fatality Report, fentanyl was present in 62.3% of overdose deaths, and methamphetamine was present in 50.8%.
“I am thankful that more Kentuckians are alive and in recovery today compared with last year,” Beshear said in a statement. “But we still mourn and grieve our 1,410 Kentuckians who lost their life last year to addiction and the many more who we lost before that.”
State officials credited the decline to expanded treatment access, prevention programs, Narcan distribution, recovery services, and community partnerships.
Jones said despite the positive trend, the community cannot become complacent.
“One death as a result of an overdose is one too many,” he said. “It’s important for people to know there are resources available. If somebody wants help, there are multiple agencies and locations where they can reach out and get the help they need.”
He added that support is also available for family members affected by addiction.
“I think it’s important for families to realize they’re not alone,” Jones said. “There are resources available to help them cope and navigate those situations as well.”
