The decline, which is the largest seen in a single year since World War II, reflects the pandemic’s sustained toll on Americans, particularly the disproportionate impact of covid-19 on communities of color.

Colorado overdose deaths increased 38% in 2020, the largest year-over-year jump since at least 2000. Fentanyl deaths more than doubled.

The coronavirus pandemic and the continued spread of illegal fentanyl took a devastating toll on drug users, experts said, as the government reported a staggering increase in fatalities.