Latest news with #Stawasz
Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
AMR says May 'particularly deadly' for overdoses in Manchester, Nashua
May was a 'particularly deadly' month for fatal overdoses in the state's two largest cities, according to data released Wednesday by American Medical Response (AMR). AMR medics responded to a total of 43 suspected opioid overdoses in Nashua and Manchester last month — 31 in Manchester and 12 in Nashua. Eleven of those incidents were fatal; nine in Manchester, two in Nashua. Chris Stawasz, regional director of AMR, said 11 deaths in one month are nearly twice the average of monthly deaths reported over the past year. 'October 2023 was the last time we observed a double-digit loss of life in a single month between the two cities,' Stawasz said in a statement. Twenty-six percent of the suspected opioid ODs AMR medics responded to in May were fatal, data shows. An Overdose Response Strategy Situational Awareness Bulletin from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued June 6 reported a surge in both fatal and non-fatal overdoses across Connecticut, Stawasz said. According to the bulletin, between May 16 and June 6 there were 61 suspected fatal overdoses statewide in Connecticut, with 'noticeable clustering' along the I-91 and I-95 corridors and in the cities of New Haven and Hartford. 'That Connecticut surge seems to correlate to the surge in deaths we experienced here in Nashua and Manchester,' Stawasz said. 'The bulletin suggests that polysubstance combinations and higher concentrations of fentanyl may be contributing factors to the current spike in overdose deaths.' May did continue the recent trend of lower overall opioid overdose totals in both communities, 16% below the rolling 12-month average, data shows. Manchester continues to trend well below last year (down 34%) for total opioid overdoses and 13% below last year for suspected fatal overdoses. Nashua also continues to be trending lower in total opioid ODs (down 9%) but trends significantly higher (up 69%) in suspected opioid related deaths. In 2024, Manchester and Nashua recorded the lowest number of overdoses in a year since the COVID pandemic. There were 710 suspected overdoses in Manchester and Nashua in 2024 — 526 of those occurred in Manchester, 184 in Nashua. Sixty-six overdoses were fatal in 2024 — 46 in Manchester, 20 in Nashua. Nashua recorded both the lowest number of suspected opioid overdoses and lowest number of suspected opioid deaths in one year since AMR began tracking the data in 2015. 'Keep in mind that due to the nature of the opioid epidemic and its clear history of unpredictability, it is always possible that the trend of lower numbers could quickly change — as evidenced this month,' Stawasz said. 'These seemingly marked statistical improvements by no means signal that the opioid epidemic is 'under control' or close to elimination. With Narcan now widely available and free, it is highly likely that many overdoses are continuing to occur, but without 911 intervention.' According to AMR, of the 43 suspected opioid overdoses reported in May in both Manchester and Nashua, 53% occurred in a home or residence, 21% happened in a public building or area and 9% were in vehicles or in a roadway. Five percent were in a jail or prison. Two percent occurred in a hotel or motel. In 21% of the overdoses, a bystander or member of the public administered Narcan before EMS personnel arrived. Overall, 42% of those involved in suspected opioid overdoses gave no fixed address or said they were homeless. Of the 43 suspected overdoses in both cities, 58% were males, 42% females. The majority of victims, 72%, were Caucasian. Ninety-three percent of overdose response calls involved a first encounter with an individual and 7% involved repeat encounters. In New Hampshire, anyone can seek substance use disorder treatment by accessing the N.H. Doorway program 24/7. To access the N.H. Doorway program, call 211 at any time of the day or night, or visit If you believe someone is overdosing, call 911 immediately.
Boston Globe
a day ago
- Health
- Boston Globe
May was a ‘particularly deadly' month for suspected opioid overdoses in N.H.
Medics from AMR responded to 43 suspected opioid overdoses in Nashua and Manchester in May. But Stawasz said because Narcan is now widely available for free, it's likely there are many overdoses that continue to occur without 9-1-1 intervention. Get N.H. Morning Report A weekday newsletter delivering the N.H. news you need to know right to your inbox. Enter Email Sign Up The increase in suspected opioid overdose deaths come after months of positive indicators, with overdoses trending down in recent months compared to last year in both cities. Advertisement But Stawasz said those improvements 'by no means signal that the opioid epidemic is 'under control' or close to elimination.' 'It is always possible that the trend of lower numbers could change quickly — as evidenced this month,' he said. New Hampshire isn't the only state to see the sudden increase in deaths in May. Stawasz said Connecticut also saw a surge in both fatal and non-fatal overdoses around the state, with 61 suspected fatal overdoses between May 16 and June 6. Advertisement A bulletin from the 'That CT surge seems to correlate to the surge in deaths we experienced here in Nashua & Manchester,' Stawasz said in an email. 'The bulletin suggests that polysubstance combinations and higher concentrations of fentanyl may be contributing factors to the current spike in overdose deaths.' While overdose deaths in Manchester are trending about 13 percent less than last year, in Nashua, they're up nearly 70 percent this year, according to AMR. There were 20 opioid deaths in 2024, and there's already been 14 so far this year in Nashua. Meanwhile, in Manchester, the percentage of overdoses that were fatal shot up to 26 percent in May, more than double the rolling 12-month average of 11 percent. Amanda Gokee can be reached at
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
AMR data shows Nashua on track for record number of deadly overdoses this year
Data released this week shows a significant spike in the number of fatal overdoses in Nashua last month, putting the Gate City on track for a record number of deadly overdoses in 2025. The five suspected opioid-related deaths in Nashua during March was 'significantly higher' than the rolling 12-month average of two. Thirty-one percent of overdoses in Nashua last month proved fatal, after six suspected opioid related deaths occurred in February. The number of overdoses overall in Manchester and Nashua continues to trend 'significantly lower,' Chris Stawasz, regional director of American Medical Response (AMR), said in a statement. There were 49 suspected overdoses in Manchester and Nashua in March, 14% below the 12-month rolling average, according to data shared by AMR. Thirty-three of those occurred in Manchester, 16 in Nashua. The decrease is mainly attributed to the increased availability of Narcan in New Hampshire, which can reverse the effects of some opioids. Manchester Mayor Jay Ruais thanked local health officials and first responders, saying the Queen City continues to be on track to reduce overdoses and fatalities at a faster rate than local and national trends. 'If these results continue, Manchester is on pace to realize the lowest numbers in suspected overdoses and deaths since the beginning of the opioid epidemic more than 10 years ago,' Ruais said. 'We're saving lives, and getting people in need help.' Manchester Public Health Director Anna Thomas said she's grateful for the Centers for Disease Control's expertise in putting the city 'on the right path toward this end.' 'All life is precious and every one saved is worth fighting for,' Thomas said. Thomas also thanked Manchester Director of Overdose Prevention Andrew Warner, the city's Rapid Overdose Assessment and Response Team, the Manchester Police Department and American Medical Response for 'their tireless commitment and dedication to achieving such positive outcomes on a daily basis.' 'Keep in mind that due to the nature of the opioid epidemic and its clear history of unpredictability, it is always possible that the trend of lower numbers could quickly change,' Stawasz said. 'It is common to see different varieties of illicit poly substances appear without warning. Many can be highly lethal or require alternative approaches for successful lifesaving treatment.' Stawasz said in the most recent update from the state's Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, xylazine and carfentanil were reported to be both 'present and contributory' in over a dozen drug deaths in New Hampshire last year. 'Increasingly now mixed with illicit fentanyl, xylazine's powerful sedative properties complicate EMS providers treatment of suspected opioid overdoses,' Stawasz said. 'It is undetectable to medics and Narcan does not reverse its effect. When present, it requires a significant additional and prolonged effort to maintain an effective airway and respiratory status on a victim.' According to AMR, of the 49 suspected opioid overdoses reported in March in both Manchester and Nashua, 35% occurred in a home or residence, 35% happened in a public building or area and 16% were in vehicles or in a roadway. Four percent were in a jail or prison. Four percent occurred in a hotel or motel. In 31% of the overdoses, a bystander or member of the public administered Narcan before EMS personnel arrived. Overall, 65% of those involved in suspected opioid overdoses gave no fixed address or said they were homeless. In New Hampshire, anyone can seek substance use disorder treatment by accessing the N.H. Doorway program 24/7. To access the N.H. Doorway program, call 211 at any time of the day or night, or visit If you believe someone is overdosing, call 911 immediately.
Yahoo
15-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Xylazine warning even as ODs and deaths continue to trend lower
Feb. 14—Data released Friday shows the number of overdoses in the state's two largest cities continued to trend "significantly lower" in January, though officials warn that could change with a powerful drug becoming more popular in New Hampshire. There were 42 suspected overdoses in Manchester and Nashua in January, according to data shared by American Medical Response (AMR). Thirty of those occurred in Manchester, 12 in Nashua. Four overdoses were fatal — three in Manchester, one in Nashua. Despite the recent fatalities, January continued the trend of significantly lower opioid overdoses in both communities — 29% below the rolling 12-month average, Chris Stawasz, regional director of AMR, said in a statement. "The sustained drops in opioid overdose death percentages are consistent with the statewide death statistics reported in the N.H. Drug Data Update from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner," Stawasz said. Manchester and Nashua recorded in 2024 the lowest number of overdoses in a year since the COVID pandemic. There were 710 suspected overdoses in Manchester and Nashua in 2024 — 526 of those occurred in Manchester, 184 in Nashua. Sixty-six overdoses were fatal in 2024 — 46 in Manchester, 20 in Nashua. Nashua recorded both the lowest number of suspected opioid overdoses and lowest number of suspected opioid deaths in one year since AMR began tracking the data in 2015. Manchester recorded a 24% drop in suspected opioid overdoses in 2024 compared to 2023, with Nashua down 19%. The Queen City recorded a 21% decrease in suspected opioid deaths in 2024, with Nashua down 49%, compared to the prior year. "Keep in mind that due to the nature of the opioid epidemic and its clear history of unpredictability, it is always possible that the trend of lower numbers could quickly change," Stawasz said. "It is common to see different varieties of illicit poly substances appear without warning. Many can be highly lethal or require alternative approaches for successful lifesaving treatment." Stawasz said in the most recent update from the state's the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Xylazine and Carfentanil were reported to be both "present and contributory" in over a dozen drugs deaths in New Hampshire last year. "Increasingly now mixed with illicit fentanyl, xylazine's powerful sedative properties complicate EMS providers treatment of suspected opioid overdoses," Stawasz said. "It is undetectable to medics and Narcan does not reverse its effect. When present, it requires a significant additional and prolonged effort to maintain an effective airway and respiratory status on a victim." The federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reports xylazine has been detected in approximately 30% of the fentanyl seized by law enforcement in New Hampshire. People who inject drug mixtures containing xylazine also can develop severe wounds, including necrosis — the rotting of human tissue — that can lead to amputation, the DEA warned. On Feb. 12, Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) joined a bipartisan group of Senate and House colleagues in reintroducing the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act, which would make xylazine a Schedule III controlled substance while protecting access for veterinarians, farmers, cattlemen, and ranchers who use xylazine to treat large animals. "As we continue to see xylazine being mixed with fentanyl, heroin, and other deadly drugs, we must take action to crack down on dealers who are cutting drugs with this substance that worsens the life-threatening impacts of fentanyl," Pappas said in statement. The Combating Illicit Xylazine Act would: * Schedule xylazine as a Schedule III illicit substance under the Controlled Substances Act; * Ensure veterinarians, farmers, and ranchers can still use the drug for its intended purpose by creating a clear definition of "ultimate user" — someone lawfully permitted to possess a controlled substance for legitimate use; * Enable the DEA to track its manufacturing to ensure it is not diverted to the illicit market; * Require a report on prevalence, risks, and recommendations regarding xylazine. According to AMR, of the 42 suspected opioid overdoses reported in January in both Manchester and Nashua, 31% occurred in a home or residence, 40% happened in a public building or area and 17% were in vehicles or in a roadway. None occurred in a jail or prison. Five percent occurred in a hotel or motel. In 10% of the overdoses, a bystander or member of the public administered Narcan before EMS personnel arrived. In New Hampshire, anyone can seek substance use disorder treatment by accessing the NH Doorway program 24/7. To access the NH Doorway program, call 211 at any time of the day or night, or visit If you believe someone is overdosing, call 911 immediately.
