Opioid-related overdose deaths in Massachusetts continued to spike final yr, but once more hitting a record-high with fentanyl current in 93% of deadly opioid ODs.
There have been 2,357 confirmed and estimated opioid-related overdose deaths within the Bay State final yr, surpassing the earlier peak in 2021 by 57 deaths. That’s a 2.5% improve year-over-year.
Fatal OD charges amongst Black, non-Hispanic residents made up the most important improve, in accordance with preliminary knowledge launched on Thursday by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
“The increase in opioid-related overdose deaths is a tragedy and alarming,” mentioned DPH Commissioner Robert Goldstein. “We know overdose deaths are preventable.
“The pandemic has had a devastating impact on mental health and substance use, especially among marginalized communities,” Goldstein added. “We are working to reverse these troubling trends by continuing to build on our data-driven and equity-based approaches toward responsive support and treatment.”
The opioid-related overdose dying fee in Massachusetts elevated to 33.5 per 100,000 individuals in 2022 — 2.5% increased than in 2021 (32.7 per 100,000), and 9.1% increased than the pre-pandemic peak in 2016.
Among non-Hispanic Black residents, the opioid-related overdose dying fee surged by 42%, from 36.4 to 51.7 deaths per 100,000 residents from 2021 to 2022.
Fentanyl was current in 93% of deadly opioid overdoses in 2022 the place a toxicology report was accessible. Cocaine was current in 53% of toxicology reviews. Alcohol was current in 28%, benzodiazepines in 27%, prescription opioids in 11%, amphetamines in 9%, and heroin in 6%.
In response to the rise in opioid-related overdose deaths, DPH issued an advisory final month urging all suppliers to extend availability of naloxone (Narcan) kits, and practice workers to dispense and administer naloxone to anybody who might have it.
Health officers are urging everybody, particularly these round individuals at excessive danger for overdose, to hold and know the best way to use naloxone — which might forestall severe hurt and dying from overdose.
“As Attorney General, I made combatting the opioid crisis a top priority, and that commitment continues as Governor while we work to provide individuals and communities with the support they need for treatment, prevention and recovery,” mentioned Gov. Maura Healey.
“Too many Massachusetts families, particularly families of color, have been impacted by this crisis, and in order to effectively respond, we need to address the gaps in the system by advancing long-term solutions that include housing, jobs, mental health care and more resources for our cities and towns,” the governor added.
The largest overdose dying will increase final yr have been seen in Worcester County (18%, from 281 to 331) and Plymouth County (14%, from 167 to 190).
The following cities and cities skilled a notable improve in opioid-related overdose deaths in 2022 in contrast with 2021: Lawrence, Leominster, Lynn, Springfield, Waltham, Weymouth, and Worcester.
The following cities and cities skilled a notable lower in opioid-related overdose deaths in 2022 in contrast with 2021: Gloucester, Haverhill, Norton, Salem, and Taunton.
Source: www.bostonherald.com”