If you live in the Southern Tier, you’ve probably heard the whispers or seen the headlines. People talk about "the opioid crisis" or "the aging population" in Binghamton and Endicott like they are static, unchanging facts of life. But when you look at the actual numbers regarding deaths in Broome County, the reality is a lot more nuanced—and in some ways, surprisingly hopeful.
Honestly, it’s heavy stuff. Nobody wants to spend their Friday afternoon looking at mortality tables. But understanding why and how our neighbors are passing away is the only way to figure out if the programs we’re paying for are actually working. And right now? Some of them really are.
The Surprising Drop in Overdose Fatalities
For years, Broome County was the poster child for the heroin and fentanyl epidemic in Upstate New York. It felt relentless. However, the most recent data from the Broome County Health Department (BCHD) tells a story of a massive turnaround.
In 2024, the county reported 48 suspected fatal overdoses.
That might sound like a lot—and for 48 families, it’s a tragedy—but compare it to just two years prior. Since 2022, Broome has seen a 40% decrease in fatal overdoses and an even more staggering 52% drop in non-fatal overdoses.
Why? Marissa Knapp, who chairs the Broome Overdose Action Collaborative (BOAC), points to a "multifaceted approach." Basically, the county stopped just wagging its finger and started flooding the streets with Narcan, fentanyl test strips, and harm reduction education. They even started using xylazine test strips recently because, let’s be real, the drug supply is getting weirder and more dangerous.
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Why the numbers are falling
- Opioid Settlement Funds: The county didn't just sit on that legal settlement money from big pharma. They awarded it to 10 different local agencies to fight on the front lines.
- Never Use Alone: There’s a hotline now (1-877-696-1996) that’s basically a judgment-free lifeline for people using substances.
- CDC Grants: A five-year "Overdose Data to Action" grant from the CDC has given local officials the cash to track spikes in real-time.
The Silent Killers: Heart Disease and Cancer
While overdoses grab the "breaking news" banners, the "boring" stuff is what actually claims the most lives here. Heart disease remains the heavyweight champion of deaths in Broome County.
According to New York State Department of Health indicators, diseases of the heart account for an age-adjusted mortality rate of about 174.5 per 100,000 residents. That’s a lot of people. When you dig into the 2022-2024 Community Health Assessment, you see that chronic diseases like diabetes and heart failure are the real long-term battles.
Cancer isn't far behind. Lung cancer, specifically, hits this region hard. The incidence rate in Broome (around 57.6 per 100,000) reflects decades of industrial history and higher-than-average smoking rates. It’s a slow-moving crisis that doesn't get the same "emergency" funding as an outbreak, but it’s the leading cause of premature death (dying before age 75) for nearly 40% of our residents.
Where the Events Happen (and where to find records)
If you’re looking for a death certificate or trying to track down a record for genealogy, don't go to the County Clerk. They don't have them. I know, it sounds counterintuitive.
In New York, death records are kept by the specific municipality where the person actually passed away. If someone died at UHS Wilson, you’re looking at Johnson City. If it was at Binghamton General, you’re dealing with the City of Binghamton’s Registrar.
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Quick Guide for Records:
- City of Binghamton: (607) 772-7029
- Village of Johnson City: (607) 798-7861
- Town of Union: (607) 786-2900
- Town of Vestal: (607) 321-6017
You've got to be a spouse, parent, child, or sibling to get a certified copy. Or you need a "lawful right," like a court order or a medical need. It’s a bit of a bureaucratic maze, but that’s New York for you.
The COVID-19 Long Tail
Is COVID still a factor? Sort of. By early 2026, the data shows it has settled into a predictable, albeit tragic, seasonal pattern. National CDC surveillance shows that COVID-19 accounts for roughly 0.7% of all deaths. In Broome County, the local dashboard was archived back in 2023, but the state still tracks the numbers.
We aren't seeing the massive surges of 2020 or 2021 anymore. Instead, it’s become one of many respiratory risks that older residents—who make up a huge chunk of Broome’s population—have to navigate every winter alongside the flu and RSV.
Actionable Steps for Residents
Understanding the trends of deaths in Broome County isn't just about morbid curiosity. It’s about prevention.
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If you want to move the needle on these statistics, start with the low-hanging fruit. Get your screenings. The Community Health Assessment specifically identified breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screenings as "under-utilized" in our area.
Secondly, if you or someone you know is struggling with substances, don’t wait for a "rock bottom" that might be fatal. Use the resources. Reach out to the BCHD Overdose Prevention Program. Pick up a Narcan kit—they’re free, and you don’t need a prescription.
Lastly, check in on your elderly neighbors. With "falls" being a leading cause of hospitalization for those over 65 in Broome (at a rate of 238.6 per 10,000), a simple handrail or a cleared walkway can literally be a lifesaver.
To stay updated on the most recent health shifts, regularly check the New York State Department of Health's Community Health Indicator Reports (CHIRS) or the Broome County Health Department’s official site for updated 2025 and 2026 annual reports.