Opioid-related overdose deaths in Massachusetts continued a steady decline in the first three months of the year, according to the latest opioid-related overdose deaths report released Wednesday by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

Preliminary data shows that in the first three months of 2020 there were 467 confirmed and estimated opioid-related overdose deaths, an estimated 28 fewer deaths compared to the first three months of 2019 for a 5.7 percent decline.

According to the reports, that trajectory underscores the Commonwealth’s ongoing commitment to stem the opioid overdose epidemic at an unprecedented time in which it is intersecting with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The March figures included in this latest quarterly report are the first this year to overlap with the state of emergency declaration and stay-at-home advisory put in place due to the coronavirus.

Despite the decline across the state, the City of Pittsfield was among seven listed that saw a “notable” increase in opioid deaths. Those municipalities include Pittsfield, Somerville, Attleboro, Beverly, Brockton, Revere, and New Bedford.

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According to the report, opioid deaths in Pittsfield have slightly increased in Pittsfield steadily since 2015. There were 17 in 2015, 18 in 2016, 13 in 2017 (the only year of decline), 19 in 2018, and 21 in 2019. You can read the full report listed by city and town HERE.

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