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What’s causing Boston's opioid death toll to plummet? Experts credit availability of Narcan
In 2025, there were 120 opioid overdose deaths in the city, the lowest number in a decade, according to new data from the Boston Public Health Commission. -
Decline in Mass. overdose deaths is double the national average
Public health leaders say the state's harm-reduction approach to drug addiction is helping reduce deaths. -
Mental health, addiction programs feel whiplash from sudden cut, reinstatement of federal grants
$2 billion in cuts were reversed just days later. -
Boston’s District 7 candidates split on safe injection sites
This week, Boston City Council signaled openness to the facilities if they become legal. -
‘Too soon to celebrate’ but ‘very promising’: Opioid-related deaths decline in Boston in 2024
Public health leaders attributed the change to less of the potent, deadly opioid fentanyl in the drug supply. -
Sackler, Purdue settlement would bring over $100 million to Mass.
The tentative agreement sets aside billions nationwide to fight the opioid epidemic. -
Massachusetts legislators nix overdose prevention sites in stalled opioid bill
“It’s an act of political cowardice,” one advocate told GBH News. -
A Massachusetts jail initiative is helping prevent deadly overdoses when people go home
Medications approved for treating opioid use disorder — Suboxone, naltrexone and methadone — have made it possible to see progress in preventing overdoses among people reentering free society. -
Worcester health workers detect powerful animal tranquilizer mixed with opioids
Recent blood tests from people who've overdosed showed an animal tranquilizer called medetomidine. -
Overdose prevention centers could move forward in Massachusetts under Senate bill
A bill up for a vote Tuesday in the state Senate includes liability protections for harm reduction sites, if cities and towns choose to open them.
