By Samuel Knox | UniteNews Staff
There’s encouraging news coming out of Missouri—and this time, it’s about lives being saved.
According to the Preliminary Missouri Drug Overdoes Death Report: January-June 2025, the state has seen a 26% decrease in overdoes deaths compared to the same time last year. During the first six months of 2025, 629 Missourians lost their lives due to overdose. While that number is still heartbreaking, it’s significantly lower than the 850 deaths reported during the same period in 2024.
Even more hopeful? Every region in the state saw a decline–and Southwest Missouri led the way with a remarkable 53% drop.
The report was produced through a partnership between the Missouri Department of Mental Health, the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services, and the University of Missouri-St.Louis Addiction Science team.
The numbers show progress across the board. Opioid-related deaths decreased by 30%. Deaths involving fentanyl dropped by 31%. Stimulated-related deaths fell by 24%. Even polysubstance deaths –involving more than one drug — declined by 38%.
Still, fentanyl remains a serious threat. It was involved in 88% of opioid-related deaths, showing just how widespread and dangerous it continues to be.
One organization playing a major role in Southwest Missouri’s progress is APO Community Health Center. As one of the regions largest providers of free opioid overdose prevention kits, APO has focused on education, outreach, and access to naloxone–a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses.
“Our mission has always been to meet people where they are.” said Nicole Massey, Director of Prevention and Outreach at APO. “Through education, outreach, and free distribution of overdose prevention kits throughout our community, we are working to prevent overdoses and save lives. The progress reflected in this report is a testament to the dedication of our staff, community partners, and individuals who are committed to reducing the impact of substance use in our region.”
But the work isn’t finished.
Massey says funding remains uncertain, and continued support at both the federal and state level is critical.
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