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(AP) -- Heroin overdose deaths continue to rise in many parts of the nation, but not in St. Louis County.

The Suburban Journals of Greater St. Louis report that the number of heroin deaths in the county is down significantly so far this year. The county reported 25 deaths for the first six months of 2012, down from 39 during the same period in 2011.

Police are cautiously hopeful that a series of public meetings helped lower the number. They are especially encouraged by a huge drop in the 18- to-24-year-old demographic. There were 18 deaths in that age group in the first six months of last year, and just one so far in 2012.

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