Overdose deaths from opioids reached a record high in Michigan last year, according to a new report released by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
Based on preliminary data, the report says that 1,941 of the last year's 2,729 overdose deaths were opioid-related, an increase of 9% over 2016 — a slowing of the year-over-year increase in opioid-related deaths.
Between 2015 and 2016, opioid overdose deaths jumped 35%.
They jumped 27% between 2014 and 2015.
“The opioid epidemic continues to be a national emergency that is impacting every corner of our state and unfortunately overdose deaths have continued to rise,” Lt. Gov. Brian Calley said in a prepared statement.
“While we have made progress, we must take our efforts to the next level in both preventing addiction and making sure treatment is available for those suffering so that we can have more second chances and fewer funerals.”
The counties with the most opioid overdose deaths, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services: Wayne County (573); Macomb County (285); Genesee County (152); Kent County (104); Ingham County (64)
Contact Georgea Kovanis: gkovanis@freepress.com.