On Tuesday, Nov. 18, Butler County’s drug and alcohol advisory board head that 2025 has seen fewer overdose deaths than the same period in 2024.

At the meeting, the board reported there had been 20 overdose deaths so far this year, with five cases still pending. The same period last year saw 35 deaths, with six cases pending.

The 2024 coroner’s report listed 44 overdose deaths for the year, and this year is trending lower so far.

Tim Fennell, chief detective with the Butler County Drug Task Force, credited investigations done with state and federal law enforcement with helping to decrease the supply of drugs and possibly contributing to the decline in deaths.

A relatively new program could eventually have a big impact, as well. A new session put on by the Strengthening Families Program started in late October and is made up of 17 people from four families.

The board said that was the most people involved since the program started in January 2024.

While enforcement is important, it’s never going to solve the problem of drug overdoses on its own. Just as is happening now in Butler County, there needs to be a combination of strong law enforcement, and robust treatment options and support for people who want to stop using drugs.

With the right balance and the right amount of support available, though, we can continue to cut the number of people who die from drug overdoses. That is a very worthwhile goal.

— JK