Drug overdose deaths in the U.S. declined substantially in the past year, posting the largest single-year drop in at least a decade.

Alex Fitzpatrick/Axios Drug overdose deaths in Minnesota are trending downward. The big picture: Fatal drug overdoses, which fell in the U.S. last year for the first time since before the pandemic, are continuing to decline nationwide.

Drug overdose deaths in Minnesota dropped by 8% in 2023 compared to the year before, preliminary data from the state's health department show.

MINNESOTA, USA — New preliminary data from the Minnesota Department of Health shows overdose deaths dropped 8% last year statewide compared to 2022. This is likely the first time Minnesota has seen any drop in total overdose deaths since 2018, according to a press release, and the Minnesota findings are on par with national downward trends.

Opioid overdose deaths in the city have dropped after rising last year, according to new “promising” data from the Boston Public Health Commission. There were 68 opioid-related overdose deaths among Boston residents in the first four months of this year,