Drug-related overdose deaths in Los Angeles County fell 22% in 2024 compared to the previous year, according to data from the LA County Public Health Department. The number of deaths dropped from 3,137 in 2023 to 2,438 in 2024, the lowest count since 2019. Fentanyl-related deaths declined 37%, while methamphetamine-related deaths fell 20% over the same period.
Despite the progress, officials caution that the crisis is far from over. More than 70,000 people died from drug overdoses nationwide in 2024, and 2,438 deaths in Los Angeles County alone represent a continuing tragedy. The decline has been attributed in part to prevention and education efforts, particularly the distribution of Truth About Drugs educational booklets by the Foundation for a Drug-Free World, supported by the Church of Scientology. These booklets provide factual information about drugs such as fentanyl, cannabis, crack, cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, ecstasy, heroin, LSD, and prescription painkillers.
The foundation reports that since early 2025, over 22 million booklets have been distributed worldwide, with a total of 183 million booklets distributed in 22 languages. The materials have reached 25% of all middle and high schools in the United States. In Los Angeles County, hundreds of thousands of youth and adults have received the booklets in recent years. The Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre International has been active in distributing the booklets throughout the community.
"Prevention works before the first pill, the first powder, the first needle, the first mistake," states the foundation. The booklets are provided free of charge to schools, civic groups, governments, law enforcement, and individuals. The initiative is based on the research of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard, who identified drugs as "the single most destructive element present in our current culture."
Opportunities for distribution continue, including at major sporting events. During the current FIFA games being played in 16 cities across Canada, Mexico, and the United States from June through July, groups are distributing the booklets to large crowds. For more information, visit the Drug-Free World website at https://www.drugfreeworld.org/ or the Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre International website at https://www.scientology.cc.
