opioid deaths

Federal mortality data shows reveals a 16% decrease in so-called "deaths of despair" caused by alcohol, drugs and suicide, but cuts to public health infrastructure may make it challenging for the trend to continue.

A new synthetic opioid linked to at least one overdose death in Oklahoma is raising concerns among health and law enforcement officials in the state.

Nearly $1 billion in legal settlements has flowed to Oklahoma, but questions remain about how funds are being spent to help those devastated by the opioid crisis.