Fatal Drug Overdoses

(Not a crime, but sometimes associated with criminal charges)

Please refer to immediate practical matters for additional urgent needs and concerns. This section gives a quick overview of specific types of crimes or incidents that you may have experienced. At the end of each section is a list of related resources under Agencies involved.

Contact info for agencies involved is in RESOURCES.

Recently, U.S. drug overdose deaths have decreased from historic levels between 2021-23. Many deaths involve fentanyl, a synthetic opioid mixed into street drugs, and from xylazine (“tranq”) a powerful animal tranquilizer. In 2025, the Orleans Parish Coroner reported 282 accidental drug-related deaths, over twice the number of homicides. 69% tested positive for fentanyl, 65% for cocaine, and 29% for amphetamines. [Source: Coroner’s Report on Accidental Drug-Related Deaths]

Decades of criminalization of drug use have led to stigma and fear of prosecution among drug users. If an overdose happens, bystanders often leave the scene due to fear or past negative interactions with first responders. Louisiana’s Good Samaritan Law was changed to offer more protections to those who stay on the scene to encourage individuals to provide life-saving aid and call for first responders.

Millie’s Law, passed in 2022, increased the penalties for dealing fentanyl (or drugs laced with it) to between 10-45 years in jail and a maximum $100,000 fine. It also legalized the use of fentanyl test trips (to detect fentanyl in various drugs).

There are some organizations that provide free Narcan (which can sometimes reverse opioid overdoses) and other harm reduction supplies, no questions asked.

  • Trystereo: Supply kits available at weekly drop-ins: Mondays, 5:30-7pm at Fred Hampton Free Store on St. Claude and Caffin / Tuesdays, 3-4pm at Duncan Plaza in Front of City Hall. Text (504) 535-4766 on day-of to confirm volunteers will be present at drop-in locations, or request a delivery/meet-up.

  • Women With A Vision: Harm reduction supplies available Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9am-4pm at 2028 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd.

  • Crescent Care: Harm reduction supplies available Fridays, 12-5pm at 1631 Elysian Fields Ave.

  • Below Sea Level Aid: Mutual aid organization providing harm reduction supplies and free testing. Call (504) 408-1888.

Agencies involved

NOPD (could be various departments involved); Coroner’s Office; Orleans District Attorney’s Office DA (if there is an arrest); Possible federal agencies including DEA, FBI, US Attorney (some cases); NO Health Dept.; SAMHSA; Trystereo; Women With A Vision; Crescent Care; Below Sea Level Aid

Homicide/Suicide

Homicide-suicides carry an intense layer of painful complexity, especially if your loved one was responsible for killing another person (or multiple people) before taking their own life, or where other loved ones may have been the victim(s). It can also be difficult to think about your loved one having caused suffering to others. Legal issues, especially in family situations (e.g. custody of surviving children), can cause delayed healing and additional conflict.

There is often silence and shame surrounding the subject of suicide, especially when homicide is involved. This can leave those who have lost a loved one to suicide even more isolated in their grief and loss, and gives the impression they are not allowed to express it.

After such a loss, it is common for people to have “survivors guilt” involving intense feelings of regret, responsibility, or helplessness (or shock, rage or betrayal). This can spiral into paralyzing (though understandable) “what-ifs” and the seeking of unknowable answers.

Internalizing guilt and self-blame may delay healing, but reaching out to a trusted support person, and/or finding local or online support groups. See Grief and Support Groups.

Refer to the Mental Health section for self-care ideas. See “Get a support system going” for practical ways people can assist you through this time.

Additionally, suicidal feelings can arise for survivors or family members experiencing trauma after violence.

Words matter. Instead of saying “committed suicide,” consider using phrases like “took their life”, “lost their life to suicide,” or “died by suicide.” Using the term “commit” implies suicide is a sin or crime, increasing the stigma surrounding the issue and further isolating those struggling with suicidal thoughts (and increasing their risk). Research suggests it’s best to address the subject with the bereaved person (rather than avoiding it), without voicing judgments about the person who died by suicide, and to say their name.

If you, or someone you love, seems to suffer with suicidal ideation (thoughts of ending your life), and especially if previous attempts have been made, please get psychological assistance and/or call a hotline (or 988).

Agencies involved

NOPD; Coroner’s Office; Call 988 or 1 (800) 273-TALK [8255]; Text “strength” to 741741; or visit the website https://988lifeline.org/; Survivors of Suicide Loss; The Trevor Project; Trans Lifeline; Grief & Support Groups