$7.5 million will fund new overdose prevention efforts
New data shows opioid-related overdose deaths increased by 12% in Boston from 2022-2023 even though there is a 10% decrease statewide, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s latest report. In Boston and throughout the state, there has been a notable increase in fatal drug overdoses for Black and Latinx residents. In Boston the drug overdose mortality rate increased by 27.9% and the opioid mortality rate increased by 27.3% for Black residents, and for Latinx residents the drug overdose mortality rate increased by 5.6% and the opioid mortality rate increased by 15.7%. The drug overdose mortality rate includes deaths due to the combination of cocaine and opioids (primarily fentanyl), which can be ingested knowingly or unknowingly. These data underscore the urgent need to address racial and ethnic inequities in the substance use crisis. To bolster current efforts, the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) is using $7.5 million in new funding to increase substance use services, support low-threshold housing, train more people in overdose rescue, and build citywide infrastructure to support individuals living with substance use disorder.
Tags: Drug Strategy Funding Harm Reduction Opioid Epidemic Overdose Programs
