Minnesota saw decrease in overdose deaths in 2023

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) reports that Minnesota saw an 8% decrease in drug overdose deaths from 2022 to 2023. Deaths decreased from 1,384 cases to 1,274 cases.

In greater Minnesota, deaths decreased by 21% and in the metro area they decreased by 1%. However, nonfatal overdoses involving opioids other than heroin (like fentanyl) increased by 11% according to the department.

“We have seen a decline in opioid deaths, alongside an increase in nonfatal overdoses, in part due to greater naloxone availability,” said Minnesota Commissioner of Health Dr. Brooke Cunningham. “We know the work is not done, and we cannot rest. Every overdose is one too many, and we are committed to continuing to work with partners across the state to identify additional strategies that will save more lives.”

MDH also noted that most of the fatal overdoses involved synthetic opioids like fentanyl, but that those death-rates were also down.

“As drug overdose remains a crisis in Minnesota that impacts communities to varying degrees, MDH, Tribal nations, local public health and health organizations have increased their investments in overdose prevention activities. Minnesota continues to be on the forefront of overdose prevention,” said Scott Smith with MDH Communications. “Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan’s 2023 One Minnesota Budget included more than $200 million to address substance use and overdoses -with $50 million of that coming to MDH over the next four years. The investment addresses prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery.”

The Minnesota Legislature also passed a policy that requires all schools, law enforcement officials, emergency responders and residential treatment programs to have naloxone on hand.

MDH’s full “Drug Overdose: Preliminary 2023 Data Update” can be found here.