Record Overdoses and Rising Homelessness Spark Urgent Calls for Change in Utah
In a shocking contrast to national trends, Utah recorded a record number of drug overdoses in 2024, with an alarming 95-fold increase in fentanyl seizures since 2020. Governor Spencer Cox spoke at the Solutions Utah annual conference, emphasizing the need for a compassionate approach that addresses both drug use and homelessness. He criticized a failed compassion model that exacerbates these issues, leading to Utah being one of only five states to see a rise in overdose deaths last year.
Fentanyl trafficking has surged, correlating with a significant increase in chronic homelessness, which nearly doubled from 2019 to 2023. Cox advocates for accountability in treatment, emphasizing that law enforcement should focus on recovery, not just punishment. Joined by author Sam Quinones, they stressed the need for comprehensive reforms in the public health system to improve detox protocols and service provider communication.
Cox warned that sports betting could worsen homelessness, linking the issue to broader societal trends. He called on Utahns to embody a vision of American values, citing the state’s strengths in volunteerism and charity as a foundation for change. “We have all the ingredients we need to do this the right way,” he declared.
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