Deaths in Colorado declined in 2022, but were still higher than pre-pandemic levels. Is this the new normal?

Laurie Halmo, a pediatric hospitalist and medical toxicologist at Children’s Hospital Colorado, said most of the increase in overdose deaths was due to fentanyl poisoning in older teens. While it’s encouraging to see a small drop in suicide deaths, young people are clearly struggling with substance use, and more adults need to keep naloxone on hand so they’re prepared to respond to an overdose, she said