Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 12, 2024 CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, [email protected] Michigan’s overdose death rate declines nearly LANSING, Mich. – Overdose deaths in Michigan decreased by 5.7% in 2023, with 2,826 deaths provisionally recorded compared to 2,998 deaths in 2022, reported the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). Additionally, MDHHS notes the overall overdose death rate has dropped from its peak of 31.1 deaths per 100,000 in 2021 to 28.2 in 2023. The decline marks progress in the ongoing fight against the opioid crisis in the state. Based on currently available data, the decline in Michigan from 2021 to 2023 is almost five times greater than the national decline seen in that same time frame. “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 decline in the overdose death rate can be credited in part to public health measures like the launch of Michigan’s Naloxone Direct Portal, which provides the opioid overdose reversal medication at no charge to community groups and helps boost distribution of naloxone in high-risk areas. The state has also increased access to fentanyl and xylazine testing strips, enabling individuals who use drugs to detect these dangerous substances and reduce their risk of accidental overdose. While this data is promising, the racial gaps continue. Based on 2023 provisional data, Black residents are 2.8 times and American Indian/Alaska Native residents are 2.2 times more likely to die of an overdose than white residents. “Public health officials, state agencies and community partners have been working tirelessly to reverse overdose trends,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “The harm-reduction tools we have implemented are saving lives, but we must ensure that their benefits are felt equally across all communities, particularly among those residents who are disproportionately affected.” The disparities in death rates reflect a broader systemic issue that is being addressed through targeted interventions in communities of color. MDHHS is taking a data-driven approach to ensure substance use disorder funding reaches communities with the highest need. “Limited access to care has been a key driver of racial disparities in Michigan communities, from the COVID pandemic to the opioid crisis,” said Tommy Stallworth, MDHHS senior advisor. “The state’s commitment to expanding funding for community-based and mobile health services is crucial. By including substance use disorder interventions and improving access to care in marginalized communities, the state is taking important steps toward addressing these disparities in a meaningful way.” As the state continues to combat the opioid crisis and substance use disorder (SUD), MDHHS and the Opioids Task Force prioritize implementing targeted strategies to address the unique needs of communities of color. This includes expanding access to life-saving resources, improving outreach and addressing social determinants of health that contribute to overdose risk. The state remains committed to reversing the harm caused by the overdose epidemic and will ensure that all communities, regardless of race, benefit from prevention efforts. Other recent key accomplishments and initiatives include: Workforce
Reimbursement
Community Investments
More information about programming and resources can be found on the SUD Resources website. Information about how the state’s Opioid Healing and Recovering Fund is being spent can be found on the opioids settlement website. |
Michigan’s overdose death rate declines
