ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) - Overdose deaths declined 26% in Missouri last year, better than the national average, according to new data on the battle against the opioid epidemic.

In the St. Louis region, deaths were down nearly 34%. Experts say part of the progress is due to the record amount of Narcan being handed out.

Nonprofits are also contributing to the decline, including MoNetwork in south St. Louis. The organization offers harm reduction programs, support services, education and a safe space for those trying to break free from drug use.

Located along Meramec Street near Grand, MoNetwork chose its location because it was the zip code seeing the most overdose deaths in the state. Now that’s no longer the case.

The St. Louis region used to have the most deadly overdoses per c

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