Opioid Deaths In Dedham Sees Large Decrease

DEDHAM, MA — Dedham's fatal opioid overdose statistics were consistent with the state trends, according to new data.

In 2017, only two people in Dedham died from an overdose, a steep decrease from the 11 who died in 2016 and five in 2015, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Overall, there were 1,874 confirmed deaths caused by opioid-related overdoses in Massachusetts last year and the estimate could be as high as 2,016. Both figures are down from 2016's 2,083 confirmed deaths and an estimate of 2,149.

There were 201 statewide confirmed fatal opioid-related overdoses from January through March of this year, according to the department, which estimates that there will be an additional 240 to 305 deaths eventually tallied for that time period.

Norfolk County saw 168 deaths last year, down from 215 in 2016.

The data doesn't include the amount of Narcan used or residents who may have overdosed but were taken to a medical center without calling emergency services.

Mike Carraggi contributed to this report.

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