Fatal drug overdoses in Camden County have continued to decline through the first half of 2025, following a significant drop last year. Data from the State Attorney General’s Office show that from January 1 to June 30, 2025, there were 59 suspected drug-related deaths in the county. This compares to 109 during the same period in 2024 and 180 in 2023.
“Each time we check these numbers, they just continue to plummet, and I am more and more amazed at the progress that we are seeing,” said Commissioner Director Louis Cappelli Jr. “The continual drop in overdose deaths proves to us that the work that we are doing here in Camden County is working. When we come together as a community and collaborate with elected officials, law enforcement, stakeholders and healthcare professionals, we can deliver real solutions to these crises, and we can save lives.”
This local trend reflects national data showing a decrease in fatal overdoses. According to the CDC, an estimated 87,000 drug overdose deaths occurred nationwide between October 2024 and September 2024. This figure is down from 114,000 reported the previous year and marks the lowest total for any twelve-month period since June 2020 (https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/nchs_press_releases/2024/20240515.htm).
“It seems as if we are turning a corner in this country, we can finally see a bit of hope after years of agonizing struggle with both the opioid and the overdose epidemics,” Cappelli continued. “Our work here in Camden County, and across the country, is far from over because losing just one person to an overdose is too many, but we are reassured that we are headed down the right path.”
Camden County Prosecutor Grace MacAulay commented on community efforts: “Years ago, we recognized that nothing changes if nothing changes; together as a community, we have turned the tide against fatal overdoses, proving that compassion, awareness, and resilience can save lives,” she said. “We are confident through perseverance we will continue to see tremendous results.”
The county began its focused response to opioid addiction in 2014 by forming the Camden County Addiction Awareness Task Force. The group includes students, parents, teachers, civic organizations, medical professionals, public health providers, law enforcement officers and religious leaders. Its mission is to raise awareness about opioid abuse and addiction while supporting prevention resources.
Congressman Donald Norcross noted recent improvements: “Camden County’s 46% drop in overdoses proves that when we invest in harm reduction and medication-assisted treatment, we save lives,” he said. “The Camden County Addiction Awareness Task Force is showing the rest of the country what works, and I’ll keep working in Washington to bring that same life-saving model to communities across the country.”
Over ten years of effort has included installing Naloxone boxes throughout schools and public buildings; developing a Medication for Opioid Use Disorder program at Camden County Correctional Facility; launching a mobile Buprenorphine pilot program funded by opioid settlement money; conducting fentanyl awareness campaigns; offering free Narcan training sessions; distributing fentanyl test strips; providing NaloxBoxes for social service groups; and supporting mental health services for those affected by substance use disorder.
For help with addiction issues or resources within Camden County or New Jersey statewide support services are available by phone.
