Yavapai County News – Since 2016, MATFORCE and over 35 other organizations and agencies have come together as the Yavapai County Overdose Fatality Review Board (OFRB) with the goal of determining recommendations to prevent accidental drug overdose deaths. Each year the OFRB compiles a report outlining overall findings on the cases that have been reviewed. This year the report reviews all overdose deaths for 2024, as well as trends for all overdose deaths from 2016 to 2024.
For a fourth year, Yavapai County has maintained a 20% decrease in overdose deaths. But notable trends have appeared. MATFORCE Executive Director Merilee Fowler shared, “Methamphetamine use is on the rise in our communities. It’s affecting our young adults, older adults, and most vulnerable populations at alarming rates. Together, we can continue to make change in Yavapai County to protect all of our community members.”
To find out more about the results outlined in the 2024 Annual Report, attend the report release event on Thursday, May 29th at 10:00 am. Registration is required for this free, virtual event. Visit matforce.org to register or for more information.