More than 350 folks in Boston died from opioid overdoses final yr, an almost 7% improve as well being officers remind residents about fentanyl within the drug provide and the risks of opioid use.
The Boston Public Health Commission additionally famous that the animal tranquilizer xylazine, often called “tranq,” has been discovered within the native drug provide and the highly effective sedative results in a better threat of overdosing.
Last week, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported that Bay State deadly opioid overdoses hit a record-high final yr. There had been 2,357 confirmed and estimated opioid-related overdose deaths within the state final yr, surpassing the earlier peak in 2021 by 57 deaths. That’s a 2.5% improve year-over-year.
In Boston, 352 folks died from opioid overdoses final yr, an almost 7% improve from 2021 (330 whole deaths). From 2019 to 2022, Boston skilled a 36% improve in opioid-related deaths, greater than twice the statewide fee of improve (16%) over the identical time interval.
A key issue for this improve is the function of fentanyl, a extremely potent artificial opioid. Fentanyl was concerned in additional than 90% of opioid-related deaths in each the state and amongst Boston residents final yr.
“This ongoing tragedy requires increasing our focus on overdose prevention throughout our city,” mentioned Bisola Ojikutu, commissioner of Public Health and government director of the Boston Public Health Commission.
“We must respond by scaling up evidence-based interventions that decrease the harm associated with drug use and keep people alive,” Ojikutu added. “We must also address pervasive inequities and ensure that lifesaving prevention, care, and treatment are available to all.”
The 2022 knowledge exhibits that opioid-related overdoses have disproportionately impacted Black and Hispanic people in Boston: 30% of all opioid overdose deaths in Boston had been amongst Black people, and 21% had been amongst Hispanic people.
From 2020 to 2022, the typical annual opioid overdose mortality fee for Black and Hispanic residents was 66% and 31% larger than white residents, respectively. The fee of overdose dying for Black residents from 2020 to 2022 is a 130% improve from the speed noticed from 2017 to 2019.
Expanding entry to Narcan has been a crucial side of the response to overdoses. BPHC distributed practically 15,000 doses of Narcan to residents and neighborhood companions final yr, and outreach employees reverse as much as 5 overdoses a day. Boston EMS responded to 4,245 narcotic associated incidents in 2022 and administered Narcan to 2,181 sufferers.
Last yr, BPHC started funding two day-spaces in Roxbury and Back Bay that function secure environments the place people can get related to scientific care and companies and get meals, fundamental facilities, and construct belief with suppliers.
BPHC urges residents to stay vigilant for indicators of overdose. Common indicators of an opioid overdose embrace slowed respiration, blue lips, and unresponsiveness. If you encounter somebody who you imagine has overdosed, name 911 instantly, carry out rescue respiration, and administer Narcan.
Access to therapy companies is obtainable by means of the PAATHS (Providing Access to Addictions Treatment, Hope and Support) program. To contact PAATHS, name 1-855-494-4057. Anyone within the metropolis can name 311 anytime to entry therapy companies or care.
Source: www.bostonherald.com”