San Diego Overdose Deaths Drop 36% From 2021 Peak as County Credits Enforcement and Treatment Push

San Diego County overdose deaths have fallen 36 percent from a 2021 peak of 1,309 to 840 in 2025, continuing a steady multi-year decline, according to new data released by county health officials.

The figures were presented at an International Overdose Awareness Day press conference at the County Administration Center, where 840 purple flags were placed on the Waterfront Park lawn — one for each resident lost to an overdose last year.

Fatalities dropped 11 percent from the 945 recorded in 2024. Fentanyl-related deaths are falling, and methamphetamine deaths have also decreased, though methamphetamine now accounts for 68 percent of all overdose deaths, surpassing fentanyl's 47 percent share.

County officials credited collaboration among public health teams, law enforcement, and community organizations for the progress. Supervisor Jim Desmond, who has long advocated treating fentanyl as a poisoning rather than merely a drug problem, highlighted the 36 percent reduction in a social media post this week and called for additional federal action.

The data also revealed persistent racial disparities. Overdose deaths among Black and African American residents dropped 48 percent from 2023 to 2025, from 159 deaths to 85. However, the community's age-adjusted death rate of 54.8 per 100,000 remains nearly double the rate for white residents at 28.6. American Indian and Alaska Native residents now face the highest risk at 73.7 deaths per 100,000.

County officials said prevention, real-time surveillance, expanded naloxone distribution, and targeted outreach in communities most affected by overdoses are driving the trend, but stressed that more work remains.

Naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal medicine, and fentanyl test strips are available to any resident through the County's Harm Reduction Strategy. The 24/7 Access and Crisis Line can be reached at 888-724-7240.