Reporting Violations
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a warning letter to Novo Nordisk regarding the company's alleged failure to report adverse side effects, including death, from its GLP-1 medications. The FDA's March 5 letter cited "serious violations" of reporting requirements. These medications are known popularly as Ozempic and Wegovy.
Los Angeles Homeless Deaths
More than 2,200 unhoused people died in Los Angeles in 2024. Public health officials announced on Tuesday this marks the first time in a decade that the homeless mortality rate decreased in the nation's most populous county. The 2,208 total deaths counted in 2024 marked 300 fewer deaths than in 2023, with the mortality rate decreasing by 10%, the report said.
Overdose Deaths Decline
Drug overdoses remained the leading cause of death among unhoused people, with 884 fatalities, accounting for 40% of the 2024 deaths. This marked a 21% decrease in drug overdose mortality from 2023, which was the main driver of the overall reduction in unhoused deaths. County officials attributed the decline in overdoses to prevention efforts, harm reduction, and mental health and substance use treatment services.
Other Causes of Death
Coronary heart disease caused 314 deaths, representing 14% of deaths. Traffic deaths accounted for 232 deaths, or 11%, while homicides caused 105 deaths, or 5%, and suicides caused 80 deaths, or 4%. The vast majority of traffic deaths were among pedestrians and cyclists, and the rate increased 25%. The rate of suicides also increased by 21% in 2024, with the 80 deaths marking the highest number of deaths by suicide in the last decade.
Disparities in Mortality
The report also noted decreases in mortality among Black and white unhoused people, but steady death rates among Latinos. The data suggests Latinos are more likely not to have contact with the county's homelessness services. The report raised concerns that federal immigration enforcement could further push this population underground and exacerbate the crisis.
Budget Shortfall
For the 2026-27 fiscal year, LA county's homeless services authority is projecting a gap of roughly $323 million in funds for homelessness, the report said. Barbara Ferrer, the director of LA county's public health department, said, "We still see too many people dying on our streets."
