According to a new report released by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the number of deaths due to an opioid overdose hit a record high in Michigan last year.

According to preliminary data, the report indicates that 1,941 of 2,729 overdose deaths last year were related to opioids, an increase of 9% over 2016 – a slowdown in the increase from one year to the next of the number of opioid related deaths.

Between 2015 and 2016, the number of overdose deaths from opioids increased by 35%.

They jumped 27% between 2014 and 2015.

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"The epidemic of opioids continues to be a national emergency that affects every corner of our state and, unfortunately, the number of overdose deaths has continued to increase," said the Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley in a statement.

"Although we have made progress, we must redouble our efforts to prevent addiction and ensure that treatments are available for those who are suffering in order to have more second chances and fewer funerals."

Counties with the highest number of overdose deaths from opioids, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services: Wayne County (573); Macomb County (285); Genesee County (152); Kent County (104); County Ingham (64)

Contact Georgea Kovanis: [email protected].

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