NORTHFIELD - Atlantic County has experienced a significant decline in overdose deaths, according to newly available data from the New Jersey Medical Examiner’s Office. In 2023, the county recorded 179 overdose deaths and in 2024, there were 159 overdose deaths. In 2025, that number dropped to 86, a reduction of nearly 46 percent in just one year.
Substance use disorder professionals and community partners emphasize that this progress cannot be attributed to any single program, policy, or organization. Instead, the decline reflects a broad, coordinated effort among many partners working across the continuum of prevention, harm reduction, treatment, case management and aftercare.
One example of this collaboration is the Atlantic County Overdose Fatality Review Team, which brings together professionals and community members to review overdose deaths, identify systemic gaps, and collaboratively develop recommendations aimed at preventing future overdose fatalities. In Atlantic County, the team includes representatives from 37 organizations and agencies.
“This dramatic decrease represents the power of collaboration,” said Dr. Bob Zlotnick, executive director of Atlantic Prevention Resources “From police and healthcare providers to community-based organizations, treatment professionals and peer support workers, many people and systems have come together with a shared goal: saving lives.”
Efforts contributing to this progress include education, wider distribution of naloxone, harm reduction services that engage people where they are, improved pathways to substance use treatment, and stronger case management and recovery support services to help individuals maintain long-term stability.
Those working in the field caution that while the decline is encouraging, the work is far from over.
“Eighty-six lives lost is still 86 too many,” Zlotnick said. “This data motivates us to continue strengthening partnerships, closing gaps and ensuring that individuals and families affected by substance use have access to the support they need at every stage.”
For more information about overdose prevention resources visit https://besafeatlantic.com/ or call 609-272-0101 ext. 241.
