BISMARCK, ND — Unintentional drug overdose deaths are down overall in North Dakota.
Preliminary data released from the state Department of Health and Human Services shows a 48% increase between 2019 and 2023 peaking in 2022 with 135 deaths in the state. In 2023, that number fell to 113.
However, fentanyl related deaths are increasing. Health officials report in 2019, 42% of overdose deaths tested positive for fentanyl. In 2023, that number was 77%.
