All Week Long
Originally published by Lisa Schencker via Chicago Tribune | January 2, 2025
The number of opioid overdose deaths in Cook County dropped dramatically in 2024, according to preliminary data released Thursday by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Last year in Cook County, 1,026 people died from opioid overdoses — a nearly 44% drop from 2023. The medical examiner’s office expects another 200 to 300 of its pending cases will be ruled opioid overdose deaths. But even with those additional cases, the number would still be far fewer than in 2023, when 1,822 people died of opioid overdoses.
The vast majority of opioid overdose deaths last year in Cook County, about 87%, involved fentanyl, a synthetic opioid about 100 times more potent than morphine.
“Every one of these cases is an unspeakable tragedy, but it’s certainly encouraging to know we’re going in the right direction,” said Dr. Tom Nutter, chief behavioral health officer for Cook County Health.
When temperatures in Cook County are expected to dip to unsafe levels, the County's Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security provides an updated list of warming centers for residents to protect themselves and their families.
Residents who need to seek shelter at a warming center should contact the center first to verify availability and hours of operation.
Warming centers within the City of Chicago can be found on the city's website.
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