Today, Massachusetts released numbers showing a 10% decline in overdose deaths in 2023. The Governor highlighted the investment in SafeSpot during the release.
A snippet:
“BOSTON — Opioid-related overdose deaths in Massachusetts decreased by 10 percent in 2023 – the largest single-year decline since 2009-2010 – according to preliminary data released today by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH).
There were 2,125 confirmed and estimated opioid-related overdose deaths in 2023, which is 232 fewer than in 2022, when Massachusetts had a record 2,357 fatal opioid-related overdoses. Last year’s opioid-related overdose death rate also decreased by 10 percent to 30.2 per 100,000 people compared to 33.5 in 2022.
“While we are encouraged by the overall decrease in overdose deaths, this report also is a reminder of the work that we still need to do to bring deaths down for all people and all areas of the state,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Our administration remains committed to prioritizing prevention, treatment and recovery efforts to address the overdose crisis that continues to claim too many lives and devastate too many families in Massachusetts.”
Massachusetts continues to invest in evidence-based harm reduction interventions to reduce fatal overdoses, increase awareness around the tainted street drug supply, and increase access to low-threshold services. This includes expanding access to naloxone, fentanyl test strips, and sterile consumption supplies. In 2022, DPH launched the Community Naloxone Purchasing Program to increase distribution of free naloxone through organizations, and directed funding to expand the state’s overdose prevention helpline, SafeSpot (1-800-972-0590, www.safe-spot.me).”
