(LANSING) - New federal and state data show Michigan is seeing a decline in overdose deaths while additional opioid settlement funding is expected to support treatment and prevention programs across the state.
According to data cited by Bridge Michigan, overdose deaths in Michigan are projected to fall below 1,700 in 2025. The state recorded 1,938 overdose deaths the previous year.
If confirmed, the 2025 total would be Michigan's lowest since 2013, before fentanyl became widely present in the illicit drug supply. State data shows Michigan recorded 1,535 overdose deaths in 2013 before deaths later climbed to a peak of 3,096 in 2021.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates overdose deaths nationwide declined nearly 16 percent between 2024 and 2025, although several states are still projected to see increases.
Michigan officials and public health advocates say several factors have contributed to the decline, including expanded treatment access, harm reduction efforts, and broader availability of naloxone, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses.
According to the Michigan Opioid Task Force, the state has distributed more than 1.7 million naloxone kits since 2020. The task force says the kits have been linked to more than 34,000 reported overdose reversals.
Pam Lynch of Harm Reduction Michigan told Bridge Michigan the decline in overdose deaths does not necessarily mean fewer people are using drugs. Lynch said broader naloxone availability is likely helping more people survive overdoses.
Michigan is also expected to receive an additional $154 million through national opioid settlements involving Purdue Pharma and other companies.
State officials say the funding is expected to support treatment programs, prevention efforts, and continued naloxone distribution.
Officials say final 2025 overdose death numbers are still being finalized and continued monitoring will determine whether the decline becomes a long-term trend.