Deaths caused by opioid-related overdoses dropped by nearly 40 percent last summer, according to data released by the Boston Public Health Commission on Jan. 29. The statistics tracked between May and August 2024 saw an even bigger drop from the previous year among Black residents (56 percent), the agency said.

“The use of evidence-based strategies, including increasing access to naloxone, decreasing substance use stigma, and expanding mobile outreach has played an integral part in continuing this promising trend,” said Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, the city’s commissioner of Public Health.

“To maintain this momentum,” she said, “it is imperative that we continue to provide our communities with resources, support, and education to make lasting progress in the fight against substance use and overdose.” 

Naloxone, commonly sold under the brand name Narcan, is a medication used to reverse or reduce the effects of opioids. Last year, the BPHC said, about 22,000 doses of naloxone were distributed across the city. BPHC also installed eight naloxone kiosks and four vending machines at harm reduction, homeless services, and medical program facilities across Boston. 

Leah Randolph, executive director and co-owner of Commonwealth Mental Health & Wellness Center, said the availability of the life-saving drug has been a big factor in reducing fatalities.

“Naloxone saves lives, and ensuring that more people have access to it is a critical step in combating the overdose crisis,” Randolph said. “However, we must also prioritize training in highly impacted communities to ensure everyone knows how and when to use this life-saving resource effectively.”

The BPHC launched a campaign last year to educate the public about ways to prevent loved ones from overdosing. It granted $1 million in funding to five community organizations to offer overdose education, distribute naloxone, and direct people to additional help. Those organizations included Bridge Over Troubled Waters, Community Caring Clinic, Harvard Street Neighborhood Health Center, Metro Boston Alive, and Torchlight Recovery. 

“Overdose education is quick, straightforward, and accessible. There are many ways to get trained, including through the Health Commission and other organizations,” said Vicente Sanabria, manager of the Peer Ambassador Program and Recovery Coach at Father’s UpLift, a mental health and substance abuse treatment facility for fathers. “By learning how to save a life during an overdose, you not only protect your community but also empower others by sharing that life-saving knowledge.” 

Mayor Wu last week helped to launch the Family Overdose Support Fund, an initiative supported by Boston’s opioid settlement distributions that will help impacted families with up to $5,000 to pay for services related to the death of a loved one from an overdose.

“The Family Overdose Support Fund provides critical resources to families who have lost a loved one due to the opioid epidemic and are struggling financially,” said Ojikutu. “Many families in Boston have lost children, siblings, and parents. This direct financial assistance will help cover funeral expenses, bereavement counseling, childcare, and other expenses for those who have been most impacted by this ongoing health crisis.”  

To be eligible, applicants must live in Boston, be related to the deceased person by blood or marriage, and seek support for a family member who died of opioid overdose within the last two years of submitting the fund application.  See boston.gov for more information.