Report Shows Fentanyl As Contributor In Nearly 75% Of Drug Overdose Deaths In Davidson County

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The Tennessee Conservative Staff –

A new report from the Metro Nashville Public Health Department shows that almost 75% of all overdose deaths in 2024 involve fentanyl, an extremely dangerous drug that is routinely smuggled in from Mexico and China.

MPHD’s report at the end of the third quarter covers Davidson County from January 1 to September 28 of this year.

As of the end of September, there were 391 reported deaths by overdose in the county. 72% of those involved fentanyl.

Although that number is down 26% from the same time frame in 2023, the data is still concerning to officials.

“Fentanyl is a primary contributor to overdose deaths in Davidson County. Cocaine and methamphetamine are frequently detected in suspected overdose deaths,” according to the report. “Males accounted for the largest percentage of suspected drug overdose deaths at 71% in YTD 2024. The largest percentage of deaths occurred among those 35-44 year olds (26%).“

3,465 suspected drug overdoses have required emergency services so far this year. The report shows this to be comparable to the same time frame in 2019.

The Davidson County Sheriff’s Office has created a free Narcan vending machine in hopes of decreasing the number of fentanyl related deaths.

“Narcan, also known as Naloxone, is a medication that is used to reverse or reduce the effects of a known or suspected opioid overdose. Narcan is used in people of all ages if an opioid overdose happens or has possibly happened. Narcan is usually given by a caregiver or loved one if they think an opioid overdose has occurred. Narcan comes in a box containing two nasal spray devices. Each nasal spray device contains one 4mg dose,” according to DCSO.