MASSACHUSETTS — There are encouraging signs in the state's battle against opioids, with a significant drop in overdose deaths in 2023.

Opioid-related overdose deaths dropped by 10% statewide in 2023 to 2,125 total, according to the Department of Public Health. It's the largest year-to-year decrease in more than a decade. 

The DPH reported Worcester County was among the communities which saw the biggest dips in overdose deaths at 16% from 2022 to 2023. Essex County led the state at just under 22%. Berkshire and Hampden County saw slight increases, but Hampshire county saw a 21% dip.

Dr. Mattie Castiel says the easier access to drugs like Narcan has been a major contributing factor in the prevention of deaths. She said the city has distributed roughly 1,300 boxes containing Narcan throughout the city so its more readily available.

Despite the decrease, fentanyl is still having a devastating impact in Massachusetts communities. According to the state, the synthetic opioid was present in 90% of deadly opioid-related overdoses. 

"Certainly it's the biggest challenge because we don't even have heroin anymore," Castiel, the city's commissioner of Health and Human Services, said. "It's really fentanyl. It's so much more stronger than heroin. So, more Narcan is needed to reverse it. But the worst part is when xylazine is in there. That complicates the issues even more, that we worry about people's respirations and need to go to the emergency room to be evaluated. I think we've put a lot of things in place, but certainly we're working with public health and public safety [officials] to look at how we get those big buyers and who's bringing it in."

Castiel says there needs to be a public health campaign to educate people on how to help those living with substance use issues. The DPH reported a continued decline in the number of deaths when looking at data from the first three months of this year. During that time frame, opioid-related overdose deaths are down 9% from last year.