The number of opioid-related deaths across parts of Western New York has gone down, according to Erie County Commissioner of Health, Dr. Gale Burstein.

  • Deaths are down in Erie, Niagara and Chautauqua County
  • 24 confirmed opioid-related deaths in 2019 so far
  • Chautauqua County wraps up two-day Hope and Healing Conference on addiction

"We're going in the right direction. A significant decline. We still have too many," said Burstein.

Local health leaders say so far this year though, there are 24 confirmed opioid-related deaths, and 53 suspected deaths, up slightly from 18 confirmed and 104 suspected through last June.

By the end of 2018, 186 deaths were confirmed, compared to 251 in 2017, and 301 in 2016.

"I'm very encouraged that in Erie County we're seeing a decline in the number of opioid-related overdose deaths over the past couple years," said Burstein.

Niagara County also reports a downward trend, with five opioid-related deaths through March.

In Chautauqua County, where leaders wrapped up a two-day summit on addiction, there's been one opioid related death this year, and 17 pending.

Last year, there were 19 deaths, with six still pending, down from 30 confirmed in 2017.

"Every single community agency has had a role in that. And the community as a whole has turned out to learn more about it and to be motivated to assist in that effort," said Patricia Brinkman, Chautauqua County Community Mental Hygiene Services director.

Despite the number of pending investigations, tri-county leaders say the decrease in the number of opioid overdoses can be attributed to an increase in the number of community partnerships, trainings and treatment options across all of Western New York.

"We have needle exchange programs, we have prescription drop boxes so that if we can get unused medications out of our homes and disposed of properly, our young people will not be tempted to use those," said Brinkman.

Burstein says further comparison shows the area leads much of the nation in combating addiction.

"In most of the country, they're not seeing these trends. Many parts of the United States are still increasing slightly or they're at steady levels," said Burstein.