There are some positive takeaways from the latest death statistics coming from the Erie County Coroner's Office, after years of warnings about the deadly danger connected to that prescription pain-killer fentanyl, it seems some people may be listening.

For the one year period, stating in March of 2023, they responded to 1,025 drug overdose calls.


The following 12-month stretch saw that number come down to 783, a drop of over 20-percent.


It's a trend that the coroner and first responders hope will continue.


Erie County saw a 40% drop, with 73 drug deaths last year, that's the lowest number since 2015.


Fentanyl, that man-made pain-killer remains a major factor. But, fentanyl was involved in fewer of those deadly cases, down 12-percent from 83-percent in 20-23, to 71% last year.


EmergyCare Field Supervisor, Martin Carney's spent more than 30-years on the front lines of fighting drug overdoses and it seems the message about the dangers of fentanyl may finally be getting through,  "Education, getting people the help they need, rehab, those types of services."


"We went out of our way, especially with the help of the media to put out the word that fentanyl there's no coming back from fentanyl. But it didn't seem to make any difference. So, whether or not? They finally wised up in the streets or whatever, whatever the reason was, it dropped off", said Carney.


Meanwhile, cocaine-related deaths rose slightly, up to 30-percent last year from 24-percent in 20-23. Cook said he believes that may be due to the changing prices for those illegal drugs.


 "I think it's market forces because cocaine is is very popular right now. Most of the fentanyl is either. Mixed with cocaine or methamphetamine. Because they're both very easy and reasonably cheap to make", said Cook.


The coroner's office hasn't seen a heroin overdose death here in Erie County in a few years, it's mainly fentanyl these days.


The CDC credits eight years worth of federal investments for improving overdose prevention, but overdoses remain the leading cause of death for Americans aged 10 to 44.