State health officials think overdose deaths that were exacerbated by the pandemic may be trending downward, as West Virginia’s decline seems to be better than the national average. The state Department of Health and Human Resources said West Virginia’s nation-leading death rate is trending downward. Based on figures from April 2021 to September 2021, West Virginia’s decline in monthly overdose deaths is better than both the national average and neighboring states. Cabell and Kanawha counties both showed decreases. The DHHR said spikes from pandemic isolation and fentanyl have been eased by naloxone, along with expanded and improved treatment. State officials remain optimistic that the downward trend will continue.