Boston recorded 169 overdose deaths final yr.
That grim tally represents a 38% lower year-over-year and mirrors an identical nationwide pattern.
Black and Latinx Boston residents, particularly males, skilled a 58% and 48% lower, respectively, the Boston Public Health Fee reported.
“One life lost to overdose is one life too many,” stated Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Commissioner of Public Health for the Metropolis of Boston.
However she added that community-based organizations, well being facilities, and entry to OD-reversing naloxone — or Narcan — all helped. Boston distributed over 23,000 doses of naloxone, well being officers stated.
Nationally, an estimated 80,000 individuals died from overdoses final yr, based on Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention knowledge. That’s down 27% from the 110,000 in 2023, “the largest one-year decline ever recorded,” the CDC added.
Metropolis well being officers burdened that “unintentional drug overdose is the leading cause of early death in Boston.”
Housing and therapy had been additionally talked about as key components in serving to addicts climb out of habit.
“Every life saved from a fatal overdose shows the power of community, investment, and compassion,” stated Mayor Michelle Wu. “Not only does this data represent the impact of our collective efforts to combat the opioid crisis, but emphasizes our continued support to communities who are disproportionately affected.”
The well being report didn’t straight handle the legislation enforcement deal with fentanyl trafficking or the Mass and Cass blight in Boston.
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