Nationwide, overdose deaths increased to a record 93,000 in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to preliminary data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In Kentucky, overdose numbers rose by 53.7 percent. So far in 2021, Cornelison has confirmed 48 overdose deaths. According to Coroner Gary Ginn, overdose deaths increased by 63 percent from 2019 to 2020. 128 people died in 2019, 208 died in 2020, and at least 101 have died so far in 2021 of a drug overdose.

Source: Daily Nation July 17, 2021 01:18 UTC