Opioid-related deaths in Massachusetts fall to lowest level in more than a decade

SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- New state data shows opioid-related deaths in Massachusetts fell to their lowest level in more than a decade, with fewer than 1,000 deaths recorded in 2025, according to the Hampden District Attorney’s Office.

The data was released on International Overdose Awareness Day, a day marked by grief and hope.

Leaders attributed the decline to a “comprehensive approach” that includes school programs reaching 3,000 students and outreach teams that have contacted 2,000 at-risk individuals since 2020.

Springfield Police said Monday their ongoing Narcan program has saved 712 lives as of Monday. Officers began carrying Narcan in 2019 and it can quickly reverse the effects of potentially fatal drugs and cannot be abused.