According to the Kent County Health Department, between 2022 and 2023, the overall number of overdose deaths decreased by 15% and those involving opioids decreased by nearly 30%.
While this trend is promising, the rate among black individuals has risen to four times higher than that of white individuals in Kent County.
Opioid Epidemiologist Rachel Jantz says health disparities that were exacerbated by the COVID pandemic continue and emphasized the need for targeted prevention within communities of color.
“Decreasing stigma and increasing access to treatment and harm-reduction and making sure everyone has the information they need to stay healthy. Because this issue could impact anyone, and we want to make sure we’re there for everyone.”
Deaths involving fentanyl also decreased, but those involving cocaine increased, rising from 30% in 2020 to 45% in 2023,
There is also an increasing presence of veterinary tranquilizers like xylazine and medetomidine in the area.
Janz says the constantly changing drug supply means The Kent County Opioid Task Force is keeping a nimble approach.
“Some folks may still believe the opioid epidemic is driven by prescription opioids because that was the messaging for a long time, but the epidemic has really changed into this fentanyl-driven and psychostimulant-driven drug supply.”
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reports, the state’s overdose death rate decreased by nearly 6% in 2023 – five times greater than the national decline.
