Michigan Reduces Overdose Deaths and Expands SUD Services

Michigan has made significant strides in reducing overdose deaths, with a 5.7% decline in 2023, bringing the total to 2,826 fatalities. The state’s overdose death rate also dropped from 31.1 per 100,000 in 2021 to 28.2 in 2023. Key public health efforts, including broader access to naloxone and fentanyl testing strips, have played a role in this progress. Despite these improvements, racial disparities remain, with Black and American Indian/Alaska Native residents experiencing higher overdose death rates.

To further address the opioid crisis, Michigan has expanded substance use disorder (SUD) services. Medicaid access has been increased, and barriers for SUD providers have been reduced. Additionally, the state has partnered with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority to add 27 new recovery homes and 79 recovery beds in high-need areas. In Michigan’s prisons, 884 individuals now have access to opioid use disorder medications. These efforts aim to ensure more equitable access to care and recovery resources across the state.