Health & Fitness
How Hard has Lexington Been Hit by the Opioid Epidemic? New Data Released
The Massachusetts DPH released updated opioid-related death statistics from 2015, as well as preliminary data for 2016.
LEXINGTON, MA—The opioid epidemic has taken the state by storm, and legislators on both the local and state levels have been taking action to fight back against the disease of addiction.
On Wednesday, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) released updated 2015 and preliminary second quarter 2016 data on opioid-related overdose deaths in the state. Fentanyl and its relationship to opioid-related deaths, and also emergency transportation related to overdoses and naloxone data, are included.
According to the new data,the number of confirmed unintentional or undetermined opioid-related deaths for 2015 is 1,531 in the state. There were two opioid-related deaths in Lexington in 2015, according to the newest data. That number is similar 2014's total of 2. Search numbers by town and county here.
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In June 2015, the Governor’s Opioid Working Group released 65 recommendations and an Action Plan aimed at curbing the opioid epidemic.
The updated data is available now at mass.gov/stopaddiction.
Find out what's happening in Lexingtonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
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