LANSING – In a sign of continued progress, Michigan overdose deaths are projected to decline in 2024 for the third consecutive year – an encouraging sign that the state’s comprehensive response to the opioid crisis is saving lives.

Analysis of provisional data from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) indicates a 34% reduction in overdose deaths between 2023 and 2024 – about 1,000 deaths. This continued progress reflects the impact of sustained, strategic investment in prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm-reduction efforts – many of which are made possible through additional funding received as a result of Michigan’s participation in the national opioid settlements.

Since 2019, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has helped secure more than $1.6 billion in settlements for Michigan governments from companies such as McKinsey & Co, Distributors Cardinal Health, McKesson, Inc., and AmerisourceBergen, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Teva Pharmaceutical, Allergan Pharmaceutical, CVS, Walmart and Walgreens. 

“The progress we are seeing in combatting the opioid epidemic proves what is possible when real investments are made in treatment and prevention,” Nessel said. “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 and help support long-term recovery efforts for Michigan families.”

The majority of opioid settlement funds are distributed equally between local governments and the state’s Michigan Opioid Healing and Recovery Fund. These dollars have supported evidence-based strategies identified by the Michigan Opioids Task Force – including the distribution of more than 1.3 million naloxone kits, with nearly 34,000 reported uses to reverse overdoses and save lives. Funds have also supported early detection of emerging contaminants in the drug supply and the development of data tools that guide local and statewide response efforts.

“Thanks to coordinated, statewide efforts and strategic investments, we have seen a significant decline in overdose deaths in Michigan. According to the most recent year of data, we ranked in the top five states for greatest reduction in overdose deaths,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive for the State of Michigan. “Through the work of the Michigan Opioids Task Force and our local partners, we’ve distributed more than a million naloxone kits, strengthened our data systems, prevented thousands of overdose deaths using naloxone, and helped people access the care and support they need.”

Community-based groups are also playing a vital role in Michigan’s progress by expanding outreach, providing education, and offering peer recovery support. One such organization is Face Addiction Now, a nonprofit organization that connects individuals and families impacted by substance use with no-cost programs and resources.

“After years of heartbreaking increases in opioid overdose deaths, it’s incredibly encouraging to see a decline in Michigan and across the nation,” said Lauren A. Rousseau, president of the Northwest Wayne County Chapter of Face Addiction Now. “This progress is the result of meaningful collaboration between state leaders, treatment providers, and grassroots organizations. Attorney General Dana Nessel’s leadership in securing opioid settlement funds for Michigan is so important, as it allows for much-needed investments in prevention, treatment, recovery support, and harm reduction. At Face Addiction Now (FAN), we’re proud to be part of this life-saving work—but we know there’s still more to do. While overdose deaths have declined significantly, due in part to the increased accessibility of Narcan, nonfatal overdoses remain high. Sustained funding, community engagement, and a continued focus on reducing stigma are essential to turning the tide on the opioid crisis for good.”

To ensure clarity in opioid settlement documents and distributions, the Attorney General launched a web page dedicated to opioid settlements in March 2024. The web page is intended to help residents and local units of government find multiple sources of information in one place, including an opioid settlement payment estimator searchable by individual settlement, municipality, and year of receipt.

The State also maintains a public dashboard and regularly updated web pages to help communities track how funds are being used and to monitor progress toward statewide goals.

More information and resources can be found at the Michigan Opioids webpage.