The number of fatal drug overdoses in West Virginia hit a record last year, increasing after two years of declines. According to preliminary state data at least 1,275 residents died in 2020. The Charleston Gazette-Mail reported the new numbers are a 25% increase from the 1,019 overdose deaths in 2017, which previously was the only year overdose deaths exceeded 1,000 people in West Virginia. The overdose data was compiled from death certificates certified by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer and are not final, meaning numbers could rise.