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Public health officials report sharp drop in overdose fatalities, outline prevention work
Summary
Chautauqua County public health officials told the Human Services Committee that overdose fatalities fell 51% in 2024, highlighted a 91% reduction in the Dunkirk zip code, and described prevention efforts—school-based programs, naloxone distribution, hepatitis C screening and neonatal supports—while urging continued coordination and evaluation.
Chautauqua County public health leaders told the Human Services Committee they have observed a marked decline in overdose fatalities and outlined prevention, early-intervention and treatment efforts they say helped drive the change.
Lacey Wilson, Public Health Director, and Steve Kilburn, substance abuse and addiction services coordinator, presented county prevention strategy, evaluation plans and program highlights. Kilburn said county data show a 51% decrease in overdose fatalities for 2024 compared with the prior period and an especially pronounced local decline: a 91% reduction in the Dunkirk 14048 ZIP code, where Kilburn said there was one overdose fatality in 2024. "In 2024 alone, we've seen a 51 percent decrease in overdose fatalities," Kilburn said.
Presenters and legislators credited layered prevention work, sustained naloxone (Narcan) distribution and stronger coordination among public health, mental hygiene, hospital networks, law enforcement and community providers. Kilburn and Wilson emphasized that Narcan distribution alone does not explain the decline; they point to coordinated systems work, training, school and community prevention curricula and enhanced treatment linkages as contributors.
County officials outlined prevention activities in schools through the nonprofit Prevention Works and other partners. Prevention programming emphasizes social-emotional skills, evidence-based curricula and training rather than only scare-based messaging. Kilburn said Prevention Works operates in multiple local districts (staff said it is active in 11 of the county's 18 school districts) and that every school district in the county has access to evidence-based prevention materials through BOCES and partners.
Officials also raised enforcement and public-health actions on youth tobacco and vaping: of 113 licensed tobacco retailers in the county, 14 failed underage sales tests last year. Kilburn said only 34 vape products are FDA-approved and that many products on the market are illegal.
Public health staff highlighted hepatitis C and neonatal impacts of maternal substance use as continuing priorities. Kilburn said Chautauqua County is the second-highest county in New York State for reported hepatitis C case rates per 100,000 and described efforts to improve screening and treatment access. Officials also noted work to support infants exposed to substances in utero, saying prevention and early family services can reduce long-term developmental and system costs.
Committee members asked about school participation, and staff said Prevention Works is active in 11 districts with countywide access to materials; the department seeks to expand district uptake. Wilson and Kilburn said they will continue evaluation, surveillance (including student surveys) and partnerships to build on the decline in fatal overdoses and expand prevention upstream.
