New data shows sharp drop in NC infant and overdose deaths

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- New data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services show major declines in infant mortality and overdose-related deaths across the state.

North Carolina's infant mortality rate fell 8.7% from 2023 to 2024, dropping from 6.9 to 6.3 deaths per 1,000 live births. Neonatal deaths also declined 14.9%, meaning more babies survived the earliest and most vulnerable weeks of life.

State health officials say the historic decline reflects the impact of Medicaid expansion, which has provided health care coverage to more than 700,000 North Carolinians and increased access to prenatal and postpartum care. Research shows states that expanded Medicaid have better maternal and infant outcomes than those that did not. North Carolina has also extended Medicaid coverage for pregnant women from 60 days to one year postpartum to further improve maternal and infant health.

Despite the overall progress, racial disparities persist. Black infants continue to experience mortality rates nearly three times higher than white infants. Public health initiatives such as the "I Gave Birth" campaign, NC Maternal Mental Health MATTERS, the Rural Health Transformation Program and the state's Perinatal Health Strategic Plan aim to reduce these inequities.

The latest data also show a sharp drop in overdose deaths - the first decline since 2019. Overdose deaths fell 34%, from 4,442 in 2023 to 2,934 in 2024. Opioid-related deaths decreased 38.3%, from 3,566 to 2,254, with the largest declines among Hispanic and Black residents.

Officials credit several strategies for the improvement, including Medicaid expansion, wider naloxone distribution, increased access to evidence-based treatment such as medications for opioid use disorder, mobile treatment programs and expanded behavioral health urgent care facilities.

North Carolina has also received more than $1.4 billion from national settlements with pharmaceutical companies, following a bipartisan effort led by Gov. Josh Stein during his tenure as attorney general. The funds support statewide efforts to prevent substance misuse, reduce harm and expand treatment while tracking outcomes.

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