Death by Opioid Overdose in Needham Remain Low

NEEDHAM, MA — While not without their own battles, the Town of Needham continues to have few opioid deaths, according to new state data.

In 2016, one person in Needham died of an overdose, the same as last year. From 2012-2014, there were no deaths. The data doesn't include the amount of Narcan used or residents who may have overdosed but were taken to a medical center without calling emergency services.

The state reported in February that there were 1,465 unintentional opioid overdose deaths statewide in 2016 and another 469 to 562 deaths that were suspected to have involved opioids. The updated data released Wednesday concluded there were 1,933 confirmed opioid-related deaths last year.

In Norfolk County, there were 202 deaths, up from 166 in 2015 and well above the 22 that occurred in 2000.

While the number of deaths is certainly lower than other towns, it should not imply that the town has not had their own battles connected to the epidemic. Last year, CBS News documented Needham resident Jason Amaral's daily struggle and road to recovery.

On Sept. 2, 2016, Colin Cameron, a young man from Needham, died from a drug overdose in New York. His alleged dealer, Dashawn Hawkins, faces charges related to the death in federal court.

Click here to see the full numbers, town-by-town.

Mike Carraggi contributed to this report.

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