Deadly overdoses are down in Broome County this year despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

So far this year, 20 people have died due to drug-related overdoses as opposed to 26 at this point last year.

Broome County saw 10 deaths in the first quarter and 10 in the second. District Attorney Mike Korchak says drug court has been offered virtually throughout the pandemic. He credits the drop in numbers to a combination of factors.

"As much as we have sympathy for those who are troubled by addiction, our job is to keep the community safe, so the combination of vigorous prosecution of drug dealers, as well as pointing individuals who are suffering from addiction into programs to get the help they need," Korchak said.

Korchak urges anyone who may be struggling with addiction to reach out for help through the Broome County website.