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Intermountain Health, DHHS celebrate 41% decline in state opioid prescriptions

Prescription pills over a black counter
Adriana
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Adobe Stock
Prescription pills over a black counter

Utah Department of Health and Human Services data show the number of daily opioid prescriptions has dropped to 4,000 from a high of 7,000 in 2017.

Intermountain Health says the achievement is the result of collaborative efforts from health systems, healthcare providers, the state of Utah, community coalitions and patients - all aimed at reducing opioid overuse and addiction in Utah.

In 2015, Utah began the “Use Only as Directed” campaign to educate people on the opioid epidemic.

In 2021 the program was rebranded as the “Know Your Script” campaign to help reduce overdose risks.

The program provides information on responsible prescription drug use, safe storage and disposal, the risks of prescription medications and resources for treatment and overcoming addiction.

Health department data also shows 606 Utahns died as a result of a drug overdose in 2024; 75% of those were opioid-related.