Drug overdose deaths in Massachusetts tied to opioids are at their lowest level in more than a decade, according the preliminary figures. However, the state’s public health department warns more money and resources are needed to tackle the ongoing problem of substance use.
Massachusetts had more than 700 fewer opioid-related overdose deaths last year — 1,341 in 2024 versus 2,104 in 2023 — according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The 36% decline is the biggest one-year drop in the state since 2013.
In Worcester, the percentage decline was 59% based on numbers provided by Worcester Police that showed 43 opioid-related overdose deaths in 2024, compared to 105 in 2023…