CDC launches new channel to track US overdose deaths and provide resources
Federal health officials have launched a web page that gathers the nation's drug overdose numbers, prevention tips and treatment resources into a single place.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has launched a new web page called the Overdose Prevention Data Channel to track drug overdose deaths and provide resources. This launch coincided with International Overdose Awareness Day. According to the latest data, there were 67,798 drug overdose deaths in the United States between March 2025 and March 2026, marking a 12.3% decrease from the same period a year earlier.
These figures are provisional and subject to change as investigations into overdose deaths can take months to complete.
The site compiles data from three CDC tracking systems: one tracking deaths using death certificates, another analyzing coroner and medical examiner reports, and a third monitoring emergency room visits for suspected overdoses. Users can select a specific state and time period to compare local trends with national statistics.
The CDC aims to increase transparency and empower patients, providers, and other stakeholders as they continue to combat the opioid epidemic. Key features of the channel include information on interventions that can prevent overdoses, such as recognizing the signs, having someone nearby who can call for help, and having prior access to treatment for substance use disorders.
Dr. Erica Schwartz, CDC Director, emphasized the importance of data modernization in this effort. Grant Baldwin, director of the CDC's Division of Overdose Prevention, noted that while the drop in predicted overdose deaths is encouraging, it is not a final goal. Clearer data allows communities to tailor resources and enhance prevention efforts. The site also offers guidance on identifying opioid overdoses and information about prevention programs funded by the agency in various states and communities.
Drug overdoses continue to be the leading injury-related cause of death among U.S. adults, according to the CDC. Individuals seeking help for drug or alcohol issues can consult their doctor or contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's national helpline at 800-662-HELP (4357).
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