Drug deaths up again in 2017

Overdose deaths reached an all-time high in New Hampshire in 2017, according to the latest data from the chief medical examiner. 

There were 487 drug deaths in 2017. Almost three-quarters involved fentanyl.

While 487 is an all-time high, it is only slightly higher than the number of drug deaths in 2016. Drug deaths have almost tripled since 2012, so the small increase from 2016 to 2017 may indicate that trend is slowing down.

More funding to fight drug deaths?

Funding for addiction treatment was a hot topic in the Legislature this year. Lawmakers sent $3.5 million of the budget surplus to recovery-friendly workplace programs and transitional housing for those leaving substance use disorder treatment facilities.

Click here to learn more about the debate over heroin addiction treatment funding

Is Medicaid expansion the answer?

The Legislature also voted to continue the expanded Medicaid program, which offers enrollees coverage for substance misuse treatment.

However, addiction treatment providers are concerned that changes to the program will decrease funding. The renewed program moves enrollees from private insurance to the traditional Medicaid program of managed care, which has lower reimbursement rates for providers.

Click here to learn more about the debate over expanded Medicaid

New Hampshire's U.S. senators, Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan, also recently announced $23 million more in federal funding for addiction treatment in the Granite State.

Do you have any thoughts on the drug deaths in 2017? Share your opinion in the comments below.