Some progress is being reported in the state’s battle against opioid addiction.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reports 1,000 fewer deaths from opioid overdoses last year, compared to 2023. That’s a 34 percent decline, and marks the third straight year that the number of deaths has fallen.
Since 2019, Michigan has secured more than $1.6 billion in settlements from companies that manufactured and distributed the drugs. Opioids were commonly prescribed for pain relief, but critical data about how addictive they are was hidden from the public.
Some of that money is being distributed to local governments to support prevention and recovery programs. The rest is being funneled into the state’s Michigan Opioid Healing and Recovery Fund.
Nearly 1.3 million naloxone kits have been distributed across the state. If administered in timely fashion, naloxone can reverse the effects of opioid poisoning.
The State maintains a public dashboard 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.
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