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Projections show Michigan opioid deaths in decline for third year in a row

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Projections show Michigan opioid deaths in decline for third year in a row

Jun 06, 2025 | 7:00 am ET
By Kyle Davidson
Projections show Michigan opioid deaths in decline for third year in a row
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A Michigan flag waves in the state Capitol plaza | Susan J. Demas

Early data from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services suggests that deaths from opioid overdoses may have declined for the third year in a row. 

According to provisional data from the MDHHS, the state saw a 34% decline in overdose deaths between 2023 and 2024, a decrease of roughly 1,000 deaths.

In response Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel applauded the state’s work to reduce opioid deaths through prevention, treatment, recovery and harm reduction options, many of which are funded by Michigan’s participation in national opioid settlements. 

“The progress we are seeing in combatting the opioid epidemic proves what is possible when real investments are made in treatment and prevention,” Nessel said in a statement. “My office will continue working to hold those responsible for this crisis accountable to ensure the health and well-being of residents are put ahead of corporate greed and help support long-term recovery efforts for Michigan families.”

Since taking office in 2019, Nessel has helped secure more than $1.6 billion in settlements from companies including McKinsey & Co, Distributors Cardinal Health, McKesson, Inc., and AmerisourceBergen, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Teva Pharmaceutical, Allergan Pharmaceutical, CVS, Walmart and Walgreens.

The majority of these settlement funds are distributed equally between local governments and the state’s Opioid Healing and Recovery Fund. The funds also supported the distribution of more than 1.3 million naloxone kits – alongside other efforts – which have been used to reverse overdose in nearly 34,000 reported instances. 

The state’s chief medical executive, Natasha Bagdasarian, noted that this most recent year of data puts Michigan among the top 5 states for reducing opioid deaths. 

“Through the work of the Michigan Opioids Task Force and our local partners, we’ve distributed more than a million naloxone kits, strengthened our data systems, prevented thousands of overdose deaths using naloxone, and helped people access the care and support they need,” Bagdasarian said in a statement.