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Los Angeles Times
3 days ago
- Health
- Los Angeles Times
L.A. County sees a sharp decline in drug overdose deaths in 2024
Accidental drug overdose and poisoning deaths plunged by 22% in Los Angeles County last year, according to a new report, marking the most substantial single-year decline on record. The 2024 overdose death toll of 2,438 is the lowest since 2019 and a notable drop from the 3,137 deaths recorded in 2023. The sharpest decline was in fentanyl-related deaths, which fell 37% from 2,001 deaths in 2023 to 1,263 in 2024, according to a report released Wednesday from the county Public Health Department. Health officials credited measures including large-scale investments in drug treatment and overdose prevention for the reversal of a long upward trend. 'It demonstrates that what we're doing is working,' said Dr. Gary Tsai, director of the county's Substance Abuse Prevention and Control division, citing increased prevention measures and other efforts. Even so, the county still suffers 'very high numbers of overdose deaths,' Tsai said. 'Now is actually the time to be pressing our foot on the gas even more.' While fentanyl remained the leading cause of accidental overdose deaths, its share dropped to 52% of all cases, down from 64% in 2023. Deaths involving methamphetamine also declined by 20%, the county report said. The report also detailed drug deaths by race, gender, age group and other factors. By age, adults aged 40–64 made up nearly half (47%) of all fentanyl deaths, followed by adults aged 26–39 (38%). There were lower rates for other age groups. When adjusting for population size, adults 26–39 had the highest fentanyl overdose death rate at 22.7 deaths per 100,000 people, followed by adults aged 40-64, young adults aged 18-25, people age 65 and over and youth 17 and under. The report noted that since 2021, rates among young adults aged 18-25 have consistently decreased. By race, Latino residents accounted for the highest raw number of fentanyl deaths in 2024 (508 deaths), followed by white (456), Black (232), and Asian (26) residents. However, the fentanyl overdose death rate per 100,000 was highest among Black residents – 29 per 100,000, nearly triple that of Latino residents at 10.5 per 100,000. Deaths were 17.4 per 100,000 for whites. Black county residents made up just 8% of the county's population but nearly one in five fentanyl-related deaths. By gender, similar disparities to 2023 remained, with males having a rate more than four times that of females. The report highlights the continued disparities associated with socioeconomic status. Residents in census tracts where more than 30% of families lived below the federal poverty line had a fentanyl overdose death rate nearly four times that of those in more affluent areas. These figures underscore the structural inequities that shape who is most at risk of overdose and who has access to resources, according to the report. This year's report builds on a shift first observed in 2023, when drug-related deaths in Los Angeles County plateaued for the first time in a decade, following years of consistent increases. In contrast, the 2024 data reflect a more widespread and significant downturn across nearly all demographics and regions, with sharp declines in both raw death counts and population-adjusted rates. Still, persistent racial and economic disparities identified in last year's report remain relevant: Black residents continue to experience the highest fentanyl overdose death rate per capita, and fatality rates remain disproportionately high in the county's poorest neighborhoods. Despite these continued disparities, Public Health officials are hopeful that their concerted efforts are having a meaningful impact on saving lives. Public Health officials say that recent expansions in prevention, treatment services, and so-called harm reduction measures — such as broader access to naloxone, fentanyl test strips, and safer consumption sites — played a crucial role in the dramatic reductions reported in the study. In 2024 alone, investments in prevention programs increased by over 260%, treatment services by 275%, and harm reduction programs by 500%, county officials said. Initiatives such as the Fentanyl Frontline campaign and the creation of a community resource hub, aimed to expand access to naloxone, reduce stigma, and connect residents to care and support services. Looking ahead, Tsai noted early signs for 2025 are cautiously encouraging. 'Preliminarily, we are seeing ongoing reduction in overdose deaths when we compare January 2025 to January 2024,' he said. That trend, he added, diverges from national preliminary data, which suggests an uptick in early 2025, though he cautioned these results can change as medical examiners continue processing cases for January 2025. Even as the county celebrates progress, Tsai emphasized that longstanding inequities, especially those related to race, poverty, and access to care, continue to shape overdose risks. 'Although we've seen the numbers go down across the board, disparities have been consistent,' he said. 'Clearly, even though we're seeing the overdose numbers go down, we still have a lot of work ahead of us.' In a statement, county Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said that 'sustained investment in prevention, treatment, and recovery services is essential to ensuring every person in our community has the opportunity to live a healthy, supported life.' Los Angeles County residents can access 24/7 support for substance use services by calling 800-854-7771.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Orbitel International Group Launches O's Bubble MOCHI BOBA (BOBA 3.0)
The World's First Ready-to-Eat, Non-Microwave BobaNo heat. No prep. Just chewy boba joy — anytime, anywhere. LOS ANGELES, May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Boba has travelled a long way from the vibrant tea houses of Taiwan to supermarket aisles across the globe… And now, O's Bubble, under the leadership of Orbitel International Group, is taking the beloved tapioca treat to the next level with the launch of O's Bubble MOCHI BOBA (BOBA 3.0) - the industry's first ready-to-eat, non-microwave boba. The inspiration behind this step forward comes from a vision rooted in cultural authenticity and a spirit of innovation. "From the very beginning, our vision was to reimagine how boba could live beyond the tea shop — without losing its soul," said Gary Tsai, President of Orbitel International Group and the pioneer behind the MOCHI BOBA (BOBA 3.0) movement. "O's Bubble MOCHI BOBA (BOBA 3.0) represents the culmination of years of R&D and cultural dedication. We're not just exporting a product; we're sharing a piece of Taiwan's identity in a form that fits modern lifestyles around the world." This foundational philosophy set the stage for Orbitel's breakthrough in food innovation. "With O's Bubble MOCHI BOBA (BOBA 3.0), we've achieved a breakthrough in convenience and accessibility," said Fanny Chen, CEO of Orbitel International Group. "This new format isn't just a milestone for us — it's a leap forward for the boba category as a whole." From Night Market Favourite to Global Innovation Orbitel has been a trailblazing product innovator and category builder, transforming the way boba is delivered and experienced around the world — from frozen microwaveable boba (O's Bubble BOBA 1.0) to ambient microwaveable instant boba (O's Bubble BOBA 2.0), consistently pioneering solutions that preserve taste while simplifying preparation. Today, O's Bubble MOCHI BOBA (BOBA 3.0) takes product innovation further: No microwave. No heating. No waiting. Shelf-stable for more than one year— perfect for on-the-go lifestyles and global shipping. Authentic, chewy texture and premium ingredients — no shortcuts. "This isn't just a product shift - it's a category shift," said Charlotte Chen, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Orbitel International Group. "O's Bubble MOCHI BOBA (BOBA 3.0) gives us the ability to serve a wide range of channels — from grab-and-go retail to restaurants, cafes and even airlines — with a format that's plug-and-play." A Game-Changer for Retailers and Foodservice Operators O's Bubble MOCHI BOBA (BOBA 3.0) is available in customisable formats to suit every business model: Single-serve cups for mainstream retail, convenience stores, and vending. Bulk packs for foodservice and Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) partners. Private label and co-branded options for strategic B2B partnerships. "We've built the backend flexibility to scale globally," added Fanny, "Our partners can bring the boba experience to their consumers without adding operational complexity. It's truly a win-win." Experience It First-Hand: Experience O's Bubble MOCHI BOBA (BOBA 3.0) first-hand at the BBC Good Food Show in the United Kingdom from June 12–15. The product will also be officially available on Amazon US and major food service channels starting this July. From Heritage to Innovation: Redefining the Boba Experience Boba first captured hearts in Taiwan in the 1980s — and hasn't slowed since. According to Fortune Business insights, the global bubble tea market size was valued at USD 2.63 billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow from USD 2.83 billion in 2025 to USD 4.78 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.81% during the forecast period. *Source: Once a regional street-side treat, bubble tea - known for its crave-worthy texture and fun personality, it has evolved into a $4 billion global phenomenon. Orbitel International Group, as the first company to bring frozen and microwaveable boba into U.S. and European markets and the first innovator to introduce consumer ready boba through O's Bubble - continues to lead the movement with culturally respectful, globally ready innovations. "Boba is a taste of tradition — it carries the memories of a generation and the creativity of a culture," said Gary Tsai, President of Orbitel International Group. "With O's Bubble MOCHI BOBA (BOBA 3.0), we're honouring its roots while building a bridge to the future — making it easier than ever for people around the world to connect with something meaningful, one sip at a time." About Orbitel International Group Orbitel International Group is a global food innovation company committed to bringing authentic Asian lifestyle products and Boba tea culture to the world. Its flagship product line, O's Bubble, has redefined how consumers enjoy bubble tea — from frozen and microwaveable formats to its latest ready-to-eat innovation. Operating in over 30 countries, Orbitel International Group is a trusted partner to retailers, distributors, and foodservice leaders across the globe. For more information visit our websites at and For Media Inquiries & Partnership Opportunities: Ms Nina JenGlobal Marketingnina@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Orbitel International Corp. Sign in to access your portfolio
