New Data Show 38% Decline In Opioid-Related Deaths In Boston In 2024, Following National Trend

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New data analyzed by the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) show a 38% decrease in opioid overdose mortality in Boston in 2024 compared to 2023. This is the lowest number of overdose deaths since 2015. The newest data reflect the continuation of an encouraging downward trend throughout 2024, as previously reported by BPHC. They also reflect national trends; recently released data by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show a nearly 26% decline in drug overdose deaths nationwide from 2023 to 2024.

Black and Latinx Boston residents, specifically men, have been disproportionately impacted by opioid-related overdose deaths in recent years. In 2024, opioid-related mortality fell by 59% for Black men and 52% for Latino men. Overall, Black and Latinx residents experienced a 58% and 48% decrease, respectively. These data offer an encouraging sign of progress following ongoing efforts from the City of Boston, BPHC, and partners to implement innovative strategies to address health inequity across the city.

"Every life saved from a fatal overdose shows the power of community, investment, and compassion," said Mayor Michelle Wu. "Not only does this data represent the impact of our collective efforts to combat the opioid crisis, but emphasizes our continued support to communities who are disproportionately affected."

"The decreases in opioid-related deaths in our city are a testament to work done in partnership with community-based organizations, community health centers, and residents to increase access to naloxone, decrease substance use stigma, and encourage substance use treatment," said Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Commissioner of Public Health for the City of Boston. "These data reinforce our commitment to eliminating racial and ethnic disparities and to ensuring equitable access to services for people with substance use disorders. While we are encouraged by these data, we still have work to do. One life lost to overdose is one life too many."

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According to BPHC's Live Long and Well population health equity agenda, unintentional drug overdose is the leading cause of early death in Boston, and it disproportionately impacts Black and Latinx communities. Black and Latinx residents account for 40% of Boston's total population, but they accounted for 46% of all overdose deaths in 2024.

As the Boston Public Health Commission continues to monitor the impacts of the opioid epidemic in Boston, strategies that led to the decline in overdose deaths in 2024 include distributing naloxone, expanding access to treatment, partnering with medical services, providing harm reduction services, offering housing navigation and stabilization, and engaging with the community.

In 2024, Boston distributed over 23,000 doses of naloxone, a life-saving medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. This has been through BPHC's AHOPE program and street outreach work, public health vending machines, naloxone kiosks, and community grants. Naloxone distribution also helps link people to services. Throughout 2024 BPHC's street outreach work conducted over 25,000 engagements with people, and BPHC made over 2,000 treatment placements, often driving patients directly to a detox or treatment facility.

The Boston Public Health Commission also collaborates with local organizations to expand access to medical care and housing support. BPHC partners with Boston Health Care for the Homeless to operate a medical clinic inside BPHC's Recovery Services Building. This clinic assists people with services ranging from HIV treatment to medication for opioid use disorder. Since the partnership expanded in June 2024 through opioid settlements funds, the clinic has recorded over 2,700 patient visits. CDC funding through the Boston Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) program has also increased the capacity of community health centers to connect people with addiction treatment through substance use navigators.

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"Partnering with BPHC has allowed us to strengthen our internal systems and expand our care team's capacity to provide opioid and substance use disorder treatment," said Dr. Marjorie Janvier, Chief Medical Officer of Upham's Community Care. "Adding a navigator and nurse has been a game changer, giving us more frequent contact with patients, greater insight into their needs, and the ability to offer timely support to those who are struggling. Integrating the substance use disorder program with primary care has also allowed us to coordinate care for patients and their children, an added win in supporting the whole family."

Over the past three years the City of Boston and BPHC have also invested in new programs designed to stabilize and house people experiencing substance use disorder. To date, these programs have served nearly 850 individuals and placed more than 270 people into long-term permanent housing.

Harm reduction and treatment referrals are available through BPHC's AHOPE and PAATHS programs. For over 30 years, AHOPE has been offering lifesaving harm reduction services including syringe exchange; drug checking to identify the presence of fentanyl and xylazine; naloxone distribution; and screening for HIV, hepatitis, and other bloodborne illnesses that can be spread through intravenous drug use. The PAATHS program connects people to a variety of treatment services including detox, medication for opioid use disorder, and outpatient treatment programs. For support with substance use disorders, contact the PAATHS program at 1-855-494-4057 or call 3-1-1. For more information, visit boston.gov/recovery.

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