Trumbull County overdose deaths down so far in 2025

The number of drug overdose deaths is down so far this year in Trumbull County, an area that experienced a record number of deaths during the height of the opioid epidemic.

The Trumbull County Mental Health and Recovery Board has reported 12 deaths since the end of April.

In 2024, the county recorded a total of 61 drug overdose deaths for the year, which was down from the 111 reported in 2023.

The total number of drug overdoses is down 51% compared to the same time in 2023.

The Mental Health and Recovery Board said the state's free Narcan kits and wider access to the overdose reversal drug is helping drive down the numbers.

Niles Police Department Captain John Marshall told 21 News that a new device, the Apex R7, is being used by the department to scan illegal drugs while working in the field. The Apex R7 can also expedite the process of identifying dangerous drugs.

Marshall said the Apex R7 emits a laser that bounces off the material that is being tested and measures the dispersion of the return of the laser light. The results are then measured against known samples to find a match to the substance.

He said being able to use this in the field will let them charge suspect quickly instead of having to wait for lab results.