Tennessee Overdose Deaths Hit Record High

Tennessee reported its highest-ever annual drug overdose death count in 2022, with 3,825 deaths, according to a new study.

From 2018 to 2022, the state averaged 2,917 overdose deaths annually, ranking third in the nation with a mortality rate of 42.2 deaths per 100,000 residents. That’s 53% higher than the national average. Experts point to the opioid crisis, particularly fentanyl, along with poor access to healthcare and rural challenges, as key drivers of the deadly trend.