Staggering Numbers as State Releases Opioid Deaths by Town

By FRANK O’LAUGHLIN (Patch Staff)

There have been 2,668 unintentional opioid overdose deaths in the Bay State between 2012-2014, according to new statistics released by the Massachusetts Department of Health. The information comes as part of the state’s ongoing commitment for greater transparency and data information around the opioid epidemic.

The number of confirmed cases of unintentional opioid overdose deaths for 2014 (1089) represents a 63 percent increase over 2012 (668) and a 20 percent increase over cases for 2013 (911).

There were two opioid overdose deaths confirmed in both Hamilton and Wenham during that time period. One each for each town in 2013 and 2014; none for either town in 2012.

Updated data on all cities and towns is available for viewing at mass.gov/stopaddiction.

“This data reminds us that we need to use every tool at our disposal to fight back against this public health crisis, which continues to have a drastic impact in all corners of the Commonwealth,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Our proposed legislation introduces much-needed reforms to create new pathways to treatment and help us fight the deadly opioid epidemic.”

More than 680 people died of overdoses during the first six months of this year, statistics indicate.