Massachusetts opioid overdoses are down slightly, up slightly in Fall River

Massachusetts has seen a small decline in overdoses across the state according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, but the numbers suggest that there are still serious issues overall.

After several years of increasing opioid deaths, 2017 finally saw a decrease overall. Not all of the trends are in the positive direction, however. Death rates among Caucasians and Hispanics decreased while rates among African Americans actually increased.

According to the data, 1,874 opioid related deaths occurred in the state in 2017. 76 percent of them being male. The figure is down from 2,083 in 2016.

Massachusetts overall had 22,107 recorded overdoses in 2017 according to MDPH. Down 310 from 2016. Not all cities and towns saw a decrease.

In Fall River, opioid related EMS incidents went from 834 in 2016 to 855 in 2017. In Westport, the figures dropped slightly from 28 in 2016 to 26 in 2017. Swansea saw a sharp decline from 49 to 34. Somerset saw a slight decrease from 50 to 47 respectively. Boston saw the biggest increase in the state going from 2237 in 2016 to 2646 in 2017. Lowell saw a steep increase as well while Worcester, New Bedford, Dartmouth, and Springfield saw declines.

All news wasn’t bad for Fall River as 2017 brought a decrease in opioid deaths for the first time in several years from 63 to 53.

In 2017, the greatest number of suspected opioid-related overdoses treated by EMS
is among males aged 25-34, accounting for 27% of opioid-related overdose incidents.

Since 2013, there has been an overall increasing trend in the percentage of EMS incidents that are considered opioid-related and the number of all EMS incidents involving narcan administration.

While Massachusetts has improved opioid overdose tracking over recent years, these figures can’t be considered 100 percent accurate. The numbers are likely much higher due to how EMS calls come in.

For the full report, go here:

Massachusetts Overdoses-Deaths 

Massachusetts Opioid Deaths by City, Town