Public Health Madison & Dane County

Digging Deeper into Overdose Deaths in Dane County

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One life lost to overdose is one too many. Every year, we collect data about overdose deaths in Dane County. We do this to better understand why overdoses are happening in our community, who is most affected, and how we can work toward preventing them. We organize all of this information in our annual Summary of Drug Overdose Deaths in Dane County. Keep reading to learn the main takeaways from the 2025 report. 

Drug overdose deaths are trending downward but remain high.

In 2023, 144 people in Dane County lost their lives to a drug overdose. Early numbers from 2024 suggest that overdose deaths are down by almost 20%, a promising drop from the peak we saw in 2021. The 2024 data is still considered provisional because some of the deaths still have a pending manner and cause of death, meaning the final number is subject to change.

Even with this decrease, the work isn’t done. Overdose remains the leading cause of death for people ages 18-54 and rates are rising among those 55 and older. Racial disparities also remain a serious concern and addressing them will take meaningful changes across systems.

  • In 2023 144 overdose deaths
  • In 2024 118 deaths (20% decrease)

In Dane County, opioids continue to drive most overdose deaths. Synthetic opioids, especially fentanyl, are a major concern.

We’ve noticed more overdose deaths involving cocaine and other stimulants significantly increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. Another big reason behind the increase is that a powerful synthetic opioid, fentanyl, is being mixed into the supply. Fentanyl is cheaper to make and up to 50 times stronger than heroin. Other drugs may be contaminated without people knowing. Other unknown additives may have an impact on a person’s health, like household chemicals, veterinary medications, and more.

  • Fentanyl 50x stronger than heroin
  • 80% of overdose deaths linked to opioids

We are working to provide risk reduction education, harm reduction services, safer use supplies, and other prevention efforts in our community.

Through our Syringe Services Program (SSP), we offer free supplies to help people use drugs more safely, prevent overdoses, and reduce the spread of infections. We work to provide a non-judgmental space where everyone is welcome. Some of the supplies include safer injection equipment, fentanyl test strips, Narcan, and more. We also share updates with the community about overdose spikes and help connect people with resources and care. In 2024, the SSP had 14,500+ visits.

We also lead the Overdose Fatality Review. Each year, we bring together more than 50 community partners to look closely at overdose deaths in Dane County. By understanding how and why overdoses are happening here, we can help push for real, long-term changes to save lives.

  • Syringe Services Program

    We provide free supplies in a non-judgmental space for safer drug use to reduce infections and prevent overdoses.

  • Overdose Spike Alerts

    We track hospital and ambulance data to look for unexpected spikes in drug-involved overdoses. If we see a spike, we send out an alert. Our alerts give as much detail as we can to prevent overdose deaths.

  • Overdose Fatality Review

    We’re working to understand how overdoses are happening locally and helping make systemic changes by coordinating the Dane County Overdose Fatality Review. Our annual report, Drug Overdose Deaths in Dane County, includes data, recommendations, and action steps to prevent future drug overdose deaths.

This content is free for use with credit to Public Health Madison & Dane County .

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