New data show a 38% decrease in opioid overdose deaths in Boston in 2024 compared to 2023 — the lowest number since 2015.
The data analyzed by the Boston Public Health Commission reflects the continuation of a downward trend over the past several years, as well as national trends. Data recently released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed a nearly 26% decline in drug overdose deaths nationwide from 2023 to 2024.
In 2024, opioid-related mortality fell by 59% for Black men and 52% for Latino men, who have been disproportionately impacted by opioid-related overdose deaths in recent years. Black and Latino residents account for 40% of Boston’s total population, but 46% of all overdose deaths in 2024…