West Michigan Seeing A Drop In Deaths From This Deadly Drug

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is significantly more potent than traditional opioids like morphine and heroin, being approximately 50 to 100 times stronger.

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It is primarily used in medical settings to manage severe pain, particularly in patients recovering from surgery or those suffering from advanced cancer pain.

However, fentanyl is also manufactured illegally and sold on the street, often mixed with other drugs, which greatly increases the risk of overdose and death.

⬇️ West Michigan Seeing A Drop In Deaths From This Deadly Drug ⬇️

Kent County is experiencing a significant decline in fentanyl-related overdose deaths, similar to a national trend.

According to recent reports from the Kent County Health Department, fentanyl overdose deaths decreased by 32% between 2022 and 2023.

This great news is a big shift in the West Michigan opioid crisis, which has been deeply impacted by fentanyl in recent years.

In Kent County, overall drug overdose deaths have dropped by 15%, with opioid-related deaths seeing a 30% reduction.

The total number of overdose deaths in 2023 was 93, with 63 of those involving opioids.

This decrease represents the lowest level of opioid overdose deaths since 2016.

Rachel Jantz is an epidemiologist with the Kent County Health Department and attributes this positive trend to several factors:

Increased Access to Naloxone: The availability of Narcan (naloxone), an opioid overdose reversal drug, has expanded significantly. Vending machines offering Narcan have distributed thousands of doses across Kent County.

Wider Access to Treatment: Medications for opioid use disorder, such as methadone and buprenorphine, are now more accessible, helping individuals manage their addiction more effectively.

Decreased Stigma: There is a growing recognition and understanding of substance use disorders within the community, which has contributed to more individuals seeking help.

Despite this good news, disparities still remain in Kent County.

The overdose death rate among Black residents is nearly four times higher than that of white residents, highlighting inequities in access to resources and treatment.

As far as the rest of the country, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that drug overdose deaths in the United States fell for the first time in five years during 2023.

Approximately 3,500 fewer people died from overdoses compared to 2022, although the total still exceeds 107,000 deaths nationwide.

This decline reflects efforts across multiple states to combat the opioid epidemic through enhanced prevention and treatment initiatives.

If you or someone you know has a substance abuse problem and need help you can reach out to the services below.

⬇️ Substance Use Treatment Centers ⬇️

Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services: Offers a full array of recovery services including detox, residential, outpatient, family education/support, and recovery housing. Contact: 800-678-5500.

Sanford Behavioral Health: Provides both inpatient and outpatient services, including medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and specialized services for pregnant individuals. Contact: 844-776-9651.

Our Hope Associations: Focuses on women’s addiction services with dual diagnosis treatment and recovery coaching. Contact: 616-451-2039.

📲 Substance Abuse Helplines 📲

SAMHSA National Helpline: Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for 24/7 assistance in finding local treatment resources and support groups.

Arbor Circle: Offers advocacy and crisis intervention services. Contact: 616-451-3001.

Substance Abuse Community Programs

The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center: Provides substance use disorder treatment and transitional living. Contact: 800-725-2769.

Guiding Light Mission: Offers men-only treatment programs. Contact: 616-451-0236.