Drug overdose deaths in Rhode Island continue to decrease

By JENNIFER McDERMOTT - Associated Press - Friday, February 15, 2019

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Health officials in Rhode Island said Friday that the number of drug overdose deaths in the state continues to decrease.

There were 250 overdose deaths between January and October 2018, compared to 262 deaths during the same period in 2017, according to Department of Health spokesman Joseph Wendelken. That represents a 4.6 percent decrease in all drug overdose deaths and a 6.1 percent decrease in opioid-related deaths, he added.

While the November and December numbers aren’t yet finalized, Wendelken said it looks like the downward trend is continuing. Rhode Island’s annual total will be available in a few weeks.

There were 324 accidental drug overdose deaths in Rhode Island in 2017, down from 336 in 2016.

The health department has seen a decrease in the number of opioid prescriptions statewide and a steady increase in the number of people using medication-assisted treatment for opioid addition.

“A lot of work has been happening to make sure the prescribing of opioid pain medication is happening judiciously,” Wendelken said. “People who need medication are getting it, but health care providers are looking at other pain management options.”

Massachusetts officials reported Wednesday that opioid-related overdoses there fell by 4 percent in 2018 compared to the previous year, the second consecutive year the death rate has declined.

Democratic Gov. Gina Raimondo created a task force to prevent opioid overdoses in 2015 and has said recently that she’s looking for ways to continue tackling the opioid crisis. Democratic House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello has said he’ll prioritize legislation that aims to combat opioid overdoses and deaths this legislative session.

The state has also made naloxone overdose reversal medication more readily available. Health Department Director Nicole Alexander-Scott is currently working with municipalities on developing local overdose prevention plans. Twenty-five municipalities have plans, while the other 14 are finalizing theirs, Wendelken said.