The opioid epidemic is a public health crisis and impacts thousands of Michiganders every year. There are increased efforts across the state to decrease opioid overdose deaths through prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and sustained recovery.
The Michigan Opioid Partnership works with Michigan’s hospitals and jails, which are critical intervention points to reach and treat those with opioid use disorder, as an integral part of addressing the state’s opioid crisis. This site provides resources for medical and criminal justice professionals engaged in this work. Ultimately, the goals are to increase access to medication for opioid use disorder statewide and to provide equitable care that meets individuals where they are in their journey.
120% More Deaths Nationwide
The opioid overdose epidemic is one of the most pressing issues in the United States. Between 2010 and 2018, the number of people dying from opioid overdose in the U.S. increased by 120 percent, according to the World Health Organization.
2,036 Deaths in Michigan
In 2018, of the 2,599 deaths from drug overdoses, 2,036 deaths were opioid-related. More people died from overdose deaths than car crashes that year (Source: Michigan Opioid Epidemic by the Numbers).
5 Deaths a Day in Michigan
Approximately five Michiganders die every day due to opioid overdoses, according to the State of Michigan.
The opioid overdose mortality rate for white residents decreased by 5 percent from 2017 to 2018, yet overdose mortality rates among Black residents increased by 20 percent, according to data from the State of Michigan.
"Because of funding from the Michigan Opioid Partnership, we can surround (patients) in support. That wouldn’t be possible otherwise." Dr. Cara Poland, MD, MEd, FACP, DFASAM Spectrum Hospital