opioids

A recent report from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services showed a decrease in opioid-related overdose deaths for 2022 to 2023. There have also been fewer overdoses locally, according to Washtenaw County officials. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the report.

Information about Michigan’s opioid lawsuit settlements is now available online at a new state website. Colin Jackson has more.

The opioid epidemic is alive and well in Washtenaw County. In addition to prescription medications, fentanyl and heroin continue to claim lives. Fortunately, Narcan is saving lives. The Washtenaw County Health Department has put a focus on harm reduction and recovery when it comes to drug use. through the "It Is Possible" campaign. Communications coordinator Beth Ann Hamilton joined Rylee Barnsdale to discuss educating the efforts.

According to the Washtenaw County Health Department, there were 56 opioid-related deaths in the county in 2023. As WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports, Eastern Michigan University is working to help prevent such deaths on campus.

The Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners appointed the Opioid Steering Committee at Wednesday’s meeting. The group will make recommendations on how best to spend the settlement money the county receives from national litigation against opioid manufacturers and pharmacies. WEMU’s Taylor Bowie has more.

The Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners plans to make appointments to the county’s opioid settlement steering committee when it meets this evening. WEMU’s Taylor Bowie has more.

The Washtenaw County Health Department has relaunched the "It Is Possible" campaign to help local residents kick their substance abuse problems. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

The University of Michigan is helping to train restaurant employees in reversing overdoses. WEMU’s Victoria Smith reports.

Michigan has reached a $338 million deal with the Walgreens pharmacy chain over the company's alleged part in the opioid epidemic. Colin Jackson has more.

Millions of dollars from a national class action lawsuit involving companies that played a role in the country's opioid epidemic could be coming to Washtenaw County. WEMU's Josh Hakala reports.