
"Denver's Record-Breaking Spike in Drug Overdose Deaths"
Denver experienced its highest number of drug overdose deaths in a century, with 522 fatalities in 2023, a 15% increase from the previous year. Fentanyl was involved in about 40% of the deaths, and homeless individuals accounted for 38% of the fatalities. The crisis has prompted officials to take action, including heightened felony charges for fentanyl possession and distribution, and the implementation of programs to address addiction and provide opioid antagonists. The city's health department plans to test wastewater for fentanyl and other substances to better understand drug use patterns and aid in prevention efforts.




