OFRT Findings

July 2025 – June 2026

Naloxone:  Naloxone administration was documented in only 3 cases (7.5%) during the review period. The percentage of cases in which naloxone was administered has declined each year. Last year in 2025, naloxone was administered in 15.5% of cases, compared with 35% in 2024. This continued decline is noteworthy, particularly given the widespread availability of naloxone within the community.

Toxicology: Fentanyl:  In past years we’ve seen fentanyl listed in the toxicology report in more than 90% of the cases. Last year ninety-six percent (96%) of the decedents had fentanyl and/or fentanyl analogs in their toxicology report.  This year, that number was significantly lower, with only 72.5% of the cases having fentanyl.  Cocaine however, counties to increase and was present in 18, 45% of cases.

Treatment/Relapse:  Twenty-three or 57.5% of the decedents were known to have attended a treatment program at some point during their life.  Many of the decedents were able to sustain their recovery for a significant period of time, but eventually relapsed.

The team noted that support services are necessary to maintain recovery following treatment.  As individuals are discharged from treatment programs, they may not be linked to these essential supports; including medication for their substance use disorder, peer recovery support and case management which can assist with housing, transportation and employment. 

Criminal Justice Involvement:  The percentage of decedents with involvement in the criminal justice system remained consistent with previous years. This year, 75% of decedents had some level of involvement with the criminal justice system, including at least one prior arrest. Additionally, 15 decedents (37.5%) had been incarcerated at least once during their lifetime. These findings continue to highlight the strong intersection between substance use disorders and the criminal justice system.

These findings continue to highlight the strong intersection between substance use disorders and the criminal justice system, reinforcing the importance of prevention, treatment, recovery support, and reentry services for justice-involved individuals.

Trauma:  Trauma emerged as another significant trend during the case reviews. More than half of the decedents (22 individuals, or 55%) had experienced some form of trauma during their lifetime. The types of trauma identified included adverse childhood experiences, physical or sexual abuse, domestic violence, the loss of loved ones, and other significant life events that can have lasting effects on an individual’s mental health and well-being.

These findings reinforce the importance of adopting trauma-informed approaches across healthcare, behavioral health, criminal justice, and social service systems.

Mental Health: Co-occurring conditions were frequently identified among decedents. Sixteen individuals (approximately 40%) had a documented mental health disorder, with levels of impairment ranging from mild to severe. Diagnoses included depressive disorders, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

Stigma: Stigma once again emerged as a recurring theme during this year’s case reviews. Individuals with a substance use disorder are often defined by their illness rather than recognized as people with a treatable medical condition. This stigma can result in judgment, discrimination, and social isolation, leading to feelings of shame, embarrassment, hopelessness, and a reluctance to seek or accept help. As a result, stigma remains one of the most significant barriers to accessing treatment, recovery support, and other lifesaving services.

Stigma was also a common topic during the Next of Kin interviews. Family members frequently described experiences of shame or misconceptions about substance use disorders that delayed or discouraged treatment-seeking. In many cases, both the decedent and their family were hesitant to acknowledge the severity of the substance use disorder. These findings underscore the continued need for public education, stigma-reduction initiatives, and community messaging that frames substance use disorder as a chronic, treatable health condition rather than a moral failing.