Boston saw 7 percent increase in fatal overdoses in 2022, fentanyl eyed as key factor in deaths

BOSTON — Boston saw a 7 percent increase in fatal overdoses in 2022, with fentanyl eyed as a key factor in the rise in deaths, city public health officials said Wednesday.

According to new data released by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, 352 people died from opioid overdoses in Boston in 2022, up from 330 deaths in 2021.

From 2019 to 2022, Boston saw a 36 percent increase in opioid-related deaths, more than twice the statewide rate of increase, at 16 percent, for the same time period.

A key factor for this increase is the role of fentanyl, a highly-potent synthetic opioid, involved in more than 90 percent of opioid-related deaths statewide and among Boston residents in 2022, according to city public health officials.

Xylazine, known as “tranq,” an animal tranquilizer has also been increasingly found in the drug supply and increases the risk of overdose through oversedation, officials said.

“This ongoing tragedy requires increasing our focus on overdose prevention throughout our city,” said Boston Public Health Commissioner Dr. Bisola Ojikutu said in a statement Wednesday. “We must respond by scaling up evidence-based interventions that decrease the harm associated with drug use and keep people alive. We must also address pervasive inequities and ensure that lifesaving prevention, care, and treatment are available to all.”

The 2022 data show that opioid-related overdoses have disproportionately impacted Black and Latinx individuals in Boston, officials said. Of all the opioid overdose deaths in Boston, 30 percent were among Black individuals and 21 percent were among Latinx individuals.

From 2021 to 2022, opioid overdose deaths among Black individuals in Boston increased by 29 percent and deaths among Latinx individuals increased by 9 percent.

From 2020 to 2022 combined, the average annual opioid overdose mortality rate for Black and Latinx residents was 66 percent and 31 percent higher than white residents, respectively.

The rate of overdose death for Black residents from 2020 to 2022 is a 130 percent increase from the rate observed from 2017 to 2019. 

Data compiled by the Boston Public Health Commission in its recent Health of Boston Report show the leading cause of premature deaths among male Black and Latinx residents for 2017 through 2021 combined was accidents, with opioid overdoses accounting for most of these deaths.

“These data emphasize the need for increased attention to equitable access to harm reduction prevention, and treatment services in Boston,” the Boston Public Health Commission said in a statement.

“BPHC and the City of Boston remain committed to responding to this crisis in collaboration with the state, clinical, and community partners through a public health approach that expands access to lifesaving treatment, harm reduction services, prevention, and recovery support,” the statement said. “In addition to providing harm reduction tools like syringes and safe smoking supplies, BPHC’s AHOPE (Access, Harm Reduction, Overdose Prevention and Education) program offers drug testing services to drug users to identify the presence of fentanyl, xylazine, or other substances.”

Access to treatment services is also available through the PAATHS (Providing Access to Addictions Treatment, Hope and Support) program by calling 1-855-494-4057. Anyone in the City of Boston can call 311 anytime to access treatment services or care.

Expanding access to Narcan (naloxone) is another critical aspect of the response to overdoses, officials said.

The Boston Public Health Commission distributed nearly 15,000 doses of Narcan to residents and community partners in 2022, and outreach workers reverse up to five overdoses a day.

Boston EMS responded to 4,245 narcotic-related incidents in 2022 and administered Narcan to 2,181 patients.

“Not only do these heroic actions save lives, but they also help build all-important relationships with clients to that help engage them and link them to services,” the statement said. Naloxone is available over the counter at pharmacies across Massachusetts. City public health officials offer free training on how to respond to overdoses and administer naloxone.

In 2022, the city’s public health commission began funding two day-spaces in Roxbury and Back Bay “that serve as safe environments where individuals can get connected to clinical care and services and get meals, basic amenities, and build trust with our providers,” the statement said.

“As more and more individuals come to Boston for treatment and resources, BPHC and the City support Governor Healey’s commitment to increase harm reduction capacity in cities and towns across the Commonwealth,” the Boston Public Health Commission said.

Public health officials urged Bostonians to “remain vigilant” for signs of overdoses among local residents. Common signs of an opioid overdose include slowed breathing, blue lips, and unresponsiveness.

Anyone who encounters a person who may have overdosed is urged to call 911 immediately, perform rescue breathing, and administer naloxone, public health officials said.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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