MDHHS encourages health officials, law enforcement, public cooperation to lower opioid deaths in state

MARQUETTE, Mich. (WLUC) - The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is encouraging collaboration between law enforcement, health organizations, and the public to ensure opioid overdoses continue to fall in Michigan.

According to the MDHHS, Michigan saw 2,539 people die from opioid overdoses in 2021. While that number was an increase in 2021, the year-to-date numbers from 2022 for the same time period indicate a decrease. The MDHHS wants to ensure those numbers continue to trend downward.

MDHHS says that the best way folks can help combat this issue is by recognizing the danger of these drugs. Other than staying informed, health officials say having access to Naloxone and reducing the stigma around drug addiction are key to addressing the epidemic.

MDHHS says systemic changes are also making it easier for folks to prevent opioid overdoses.

“Data sharing between public health and law enforcement is critical to be able to respond to this epidemic,” said Jared Welehodsky, MDHHS state assistant administrator. “The drugs continue to be more deadly; we’re seeing across the state. It’s really important that we’re able to share information between public health and public safety.”

For more information on opioid overdoses and how to prevent them, click here.