Manchester Marks First Month Since 2015 Without Suspected Overdose Fatality

MANCHESTER, NH — New Hampshire's largest city has recorded its first month without a suspected overdose fatality since 2015.

American Medical Response reported the milestone Sept. 1.

The city had not seen a month like this in 140 months. It attributed the result to what it described as evidence-based interventions, coordinated rapid response, and ongoing partnership and collaboration among city and community groups.

“For more than a decade and a half, the opioid crisis has claimed hundreds of lives throughout NH and devastated countless families. Going an entire month in Manchester without a suspected opioid-overdose death — or the first time in 140 months — is an extraordinary milestone,” Chris Stawasz, AMR Regional Director, said. “It reflects the dedicated work of AMR medics, Manchester Fire and Police, public health officials, treatment and recovery providers, and scores of community partners. We should celebrate this progress while continuing the work needed to make opioid overdose-fatality free months the expectation, not the exception.”

Mayor Jay Ruais said the milestone means lives were saved and the city has worked to confront the opioid crisis in a comprehensive way.

“Manchester has worked relentlessly to confront the opioid crisis in a comprehensive way, and for the first time since this crisis began, we have gone an entire month without losing a life to a suspected overdose,” he said. “That is a moment worth recognizing, while understanding that even one life lost is one too many. We will build on this progress and remain focused on making Manchester a healthier and safer community. I want to thank our Health Department, first responders, and all our community partners whose work is making a real difference every day.”

Gov. Kelly Ayotte also called the month an important marker, while saying more work remains.

“This is an incredible milestone and a testament to the hard work of our first responders, law enforcement, treatment and recovery providers, and everyone on the front lines of this fight,” she said. “We know there is more work ahead, but this progress shows that our coordinated approach is saving lives. We will keep working together to get deadly drugs off our streets, strengthen prevention, and make sure Granite Staters in recovery get the support they need.”

Health officials warned the opioid crisis is still posing a public health threat and that continued vigilance and support for people in recovery remain essential.

Anyone seeking substance use disorder treatment can access the NH Doorway program 24/7 by calling 2-1-1 or visiting www.thedoorway.nh.gov. The release said anyone who believes someone is overdosing should call 9-1-1 immediately.