Preliminary data shows opioid deaths dropping big in Michigan
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says its latest data shows opioid deaths continue to drop across the state.
Nitrous oxide abuse up more than 500% in Michigan
Provisional data from MDHHS says overdose deaths likely dropped by 34% from 2023 to 2024 — approximately 1,000 fewer lives lost. The agency called it 'continued progress' thanks to investments to combat oversdoses, both financially and in effort.
Since 2019, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel's office has worked to secure more than from several drug manufacturers and retailers, providing funds for state treatment, recovery and prevention programs.
'The progress we are seeing in combatting the opioid epidemic proves what is possible when real investments are made in treatment and prevention,' Nessel . 'My office will continue working to hold those responsible for this crisis accountable to ensure the health and well-being of residents are put ahead of corporate greed.'
'You can do it': Woman who beat addiction aims to inspire others
According to MDHHS, more than 1.3 million naloxone kits have been purchased and distributed, and nearly 34,000 have reportedly been used to reverse overdoses and save lives.
Michigan's , which is powered primarily by opioids, has steadily climbed from 2000 to 2021. The MDHHS notes a rise in opioid prescriptions starting in 2000, a rise in heroin use starting in 2010 and the emergence of fentanyl in 2013.
In Michigan, overdose deaths took a sharp rise in 2013, from 1,300 to 1,535. By 2017, the number was up to 2,686. Numbers dropped before another surge sparked in 2019, going from 2,354 to 3,096 in 2021.
Since then, deaths have trended down. The state recorded 2,998 in 2022 and 2,931. The preliminary data recorded just 1,045 deaths from January through June of 2024, on track for roughly 2,100 for the year.
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Lauren Rousseau, the president of the Northwest Wayne County Chapter of Face Addiction Now, says there is still a lot of work to do.
'White overdose deaths have declined significantly, due in part to the increased accessibility of Narcan, nonfatal overdoses remain high,' Rousseau said in a statement. 'Sustained funding, community engagement and a continued focus on reducing stigma are essential to turning the tide on the opioid crisis for good.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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