Boulder County, Colo. – A sharp rise in drug overdose deaths has alarmed Boulder County in 2025, with fentanyl and methamphetamine fueling the crisis. The Boulder County Coroner’s Office reported 25 overdose deaths in the first half of 2025, including 17 linked to fentanyl and 14 to methamphetamine, compared to 59 total deaths in 2024. Gunbarrel, Lafayette, and Superior each recorded one fentanyl-related death, with Gunbarrel also noting a methamphetamine fatality.

Boulder Police Chief Steve Redfearn reported a 37% increase in suspected overdoses, with 38 cases by April, five fatal. The Boulder County Drug Task Force found no evidence of a specific tainted batch, complicating prevention efforts. Fentanyl’s growing presence in illicit drugs, often mixed with methamphetamine to heighten addiction, is driving the surge, authorities say.

Jann Scott, Boulder’s foremost expert in drug addiction recovery, criticized the city and county for their lack of effective programs. “Neither the city nor county are leveraging Narcotics Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous, or Alcoholics Anonymous in treating addicts,” Scott said. He added that Mental Health Partners’ Addiction Recovery Center and drug courts have failed to address the crisis adequately, leaving a gap in comprehensive recovery support.

Despite a 30% drop in fentanyl deaths in 2024, credited to naloxone distribution and community outreach, the 2025 uptick has renewed urgency. City councilmembers are pushing for strategic use of opioid settlement funds to bolster prevention and treatment. Community leaders stress the need for sustained collaboration to address systemic failures and expand access to proven recovery programs. Without immediate action, Boulder risks further loss in this escalating public health crisis.