BRIDGEPORT, W.Va (WDTV) - West Virginia saw a 15.44% decease in drug overdose deaths from May 2023 to May 2024, according to Senator Joe Manchin.

This finding continues the trend from data last month showing an 11.56% decrease between April 2023 and April 2024, officials said.

Manchin credits the decrease to two bipartisan pieces of legislation -- the Fentanyl Eradication and Narcotics Deterrence (FEND) Off Fentanyl Act and the Protecting Jessica Grubb's Legacy Act (Legacy Act), along with pushing the Food and Drug Administration for proper education and access to naloxone and the designation of National Fentanyl Awareness Day and National Naloxone Awareness Day.

"The proof is in the numbers, and we are seeing in real time a decline in overdose deaths across the Mountain State. I am so proud of the bipartisan work we have done to combat the drug epidemic in my home state and across the nation," Manchin said. "I look forward to seeing next month's data and I remain focused on doing everything in my power to fight this drug epidemic and protect all West Virginias and Americans."