(The Center Square) – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported opioid overdose deaths in the state decreased by 5.7% in the first nine months of 2023, with 2,826 deaths recorded during that period compared to 2,998 deaths in 2022. The numbers show an almost five times greater decline than national rates.
Data from the last three months of 2023 is not available yet, so the numbers are subject to change.
“Michigan is a leader in addressing opioid addiction and has been recognized for our harm reduction efforts by the National Governor’s Association,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “We will continue investing in programs that further our efforts to save lives by decreasing substance use disorders, expanding treatment options and improving recovery success.”
The data show that Michigan’s overall overdose death rate has dropped from its peak of 31.1 deaths per 100,000 residents in 2021 to 28.2 in 2023.
The MDHHS and Opioids Task Force credit the decline to aggressive public health measures taken during the past three years, most notably the distribution of more than 1 million free kits of fentanyl overdose reversal drug naloxone to communities across the state, resulting in more than 21,000 overdose reversals since 2020.
The department and task force also expanded opioid treatment capacity at ten Michigan prisons for 884 inmates, expanded Medicaid reimbursement for office-based visits and medication prescriptions treating opioid abuse, and provided more than 20,000 rides to individuals for substance abuse-related services.
