Cambridge Public Health Department Announces Publication of Report on Opioid Overdoses in 2024

The Cambridge Public Health Department (CPHD) has published its 2024 Opioid Overdose Report summarizing the latest data in a multi-year surveillance effort providing critical insights into the ongoing opioid crisis and how it impacts the Cambridge community.

The Cambridge Opioid Overdose Data Report provides an in-depth analysis of opioid overdose data for 2024. This comprehensive report includes information on overdose fatalities, trends in overdose incidents, hospital encounters related to overdose, and other key data points that shed light on how opioid overdose has affected Cambridge. CPHD has been issuing this report since 2016 and uses this data to inform public health strategies and community interventions.

Key Highlights from the 2024 Opioid Overdose Data Report

• There were 9 confirmed opioid-related overdose deaths among Cambridge residents.
• There were 18 fatal opioid-related overdose incidents that occurred in Cambridge, regardless of residency status.
• Pro EMS, which provides Cambridge’s 911 emergency medical services, responded to 116 opioid overdose incidents in the city, which occurred primarily in public places such as streets, sidewalks, public buildings, parks, businesses, or T stations.
• Naloxone was administered in 72% of recorded opioid overdose incidents by first responders, bystanders, or other healthcare or public safety professionals to save a life in Cambridge.

This report is part of ongoing efforts by CPHD and the City of Cambridge to address the opioid crisis in our community. Cambridge is committed to prioritizing data-driven solutions and community input to ensure that resources are allocated effectively and that the voices of those with lived and living experience are central to shaping policy and programs.

The full report, as well as previous years’ reports, is now available on CPHD’s website.

For questions about substance use programming in Cambridge, please contact CPHD Prevention and Recovery Specialist Danielle McPeak ([email protected]).