Fentanyl detected in nearly 75% of all 2024 overdose deaths in Nashville
“Cocaine and methamphetamine were also frequently detected in suspected overdose deaths.”
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - According to a new report, nearly 75% of all overdose deaths in 2024 throughout Davidson County involved fentanyl.
The Metro Public Health Department recently released its end-of-third-quarter report on drug overdose surveillance, covering the period from Jan. 1 to Sept. 28.
So far in 2024, 391 overdose deaths have been reported with about 72% involving the detection of fentanyl. The 391 fatalities show a 26% drop from the same period in 2023, according to the report.
“Fentanyl is a primary contributor to overdose deaths in Davidson County. Cocaine and methamphetamine were also frequently detected in suspected overdose deaths,” the report said. “Males accounted for the largest percentage of suspected drug overdose deaths at 71% percent in YTD 2024. The largest percentage of deaths occurred among those 35-44 year olds (26%).”
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There have been 3,465 suspected drug overdoses requiring emergency response so far in 2024. The report states that this is comparable to the same period in 2019.
“Fentanyl was detected in 71.8% of overdose deaths in 2024. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that has contributed to the increased number of drug overdose deaths in Davidson County,” the report added.
Earlier in the year, country music star and Nashville native Jelly Roll testified before Congress on the topic of fentanyl.
“I’ve attended more funerals than I care to share with y’all. This committee, I could sit here and cry for days about the caskets I’ve carried of the people I’ve loved dearly, deeply, in my soul, good people. Not just drug addicts,” Jelly Roll said during the hearing.
The Davidson County Sheriff’s Office has a free Narcan vending machine to help save lives.
“Narcan, also known as Naloxone, is a medication that is used to reverse or reduce the effects of a known or suspected opioid overdose. Narcan is used in people of all ages if an opioid overdose happens or has possibly happened. Narcan is usually given by a caregiver or loved one if they think an opioid overdose has occurred. Narcan comes in a box containing two nasal spray devices. Each nasal spray device contains one 4-mg dose,” DCSO said.
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