Michigan Expands Substance Use Disorder Services Amid Declining Overdose Deaths

In 2023, Michigan saw a 5.7% decrease in overdose deaths, with 2,826 fatalities reported, compared to 2,998 in 2022. The state’s overdose death rate also declined from 31.1 deaths per 100,000 in 2021 to 28.2 in 2023. This reduction comes amid several key public health initiatives, including increased access to naloxone and fentanyl testing strips. Despite this progress, racial disparities persist, with Black and American Indian/Alaska Native residents more likely to die from overdoses than white residents.

To address these issues, Michigan has expanded substance use disorder (SUD) services, particularly for underserved communities. The state has increased the number of Medicaid providers, removed prior authorization requirements for opioid use disorder medications, and incentivized physicians to prescribe buprenorphine.

In addition, Michigan has focused on increasing recovery housing capacity. In partnership with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, the state added 27 new recovery homes and 79 additional recovery beds in areas with the highest demand. The expansion also includes services within Michigan’s prison system, where opioid use disorder medications are now provided to 884 incarcerated individuals.

These efforts are aimed at improving access to care, reducing overdose deaths, and addressing systemic disparities across the state.