Opioid-related deaths in Massachusetts continue to decline

Opioid-related deaths in Massachusetts are continuing to decline. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health said in the first three months of 2020, there were 467 confirmed and estimated opioid-related overdose deaths -- a nearly 6% decline compared to the first three months of 2019. The March figures are the first to overlap with the state of emergency declaration and stay-at-home advisory put in place due to the coronavirus. Gov. Charlie Baker said public health officials will continue to monitor any impact that social isolation practices meant to slow the spread of the virus might have on opioid addiction.