In 2023, there were (523) accidental drug deaths in New Orleans, compared to (499) in 2022.

In 2023, (395) 75% were male, and (129) 25% were female, similar to previous years.

In 2023, (299) 57% were black, (187) 35% were white, (26) 5% were hispanic, (3) 1% were asian, and (9) 2% were other/unknown. In 2022, (304) 61% were black, (160) 32% were white, (17) 3% were hispanic, (4) 1% were asian, and (15) 3% were other/unknown.

As is typical, toxicological analysis in most drug-related deaths revealed the presence of multiple drugs. Because we are missing toxicology results for 45 “medical record review” (MRR) cases–to which we have no access to accurate toxicology results due to hospital treatment–the following figures would (likely) be higher, if all toxicology results were available.

Of the (479) cases for which we have toxicology results:

(414) 86% tested positive for fentanyl in 2023. In 2022, (406) 89% tested positive for fentanyl.

(240) 50% tested positive for cocaine in 2023. In 2022, (265) 58% tested positive for cocaine.

(111) 23% tested positive for amphetamines in 2023. (105) 23% tested positive for amphetamines in 2022.

According to New Orleans Coroner, Dr. Dwight McKenna, “As in previous years, fentanyl remains the greatest threat our community faces in the war on drugs. This year’s report serves as a continued warning to make all citizens aware that (highly lethal) fentanyl continues to lead the killing. We also must not forget that cocaine and methamphetimine use remain a severe threat to life, even when fentanyl is not involved.”