New data shows the opioid epidemic in Massachusetts is worse than public health officials feared.
The number of opioid deaths in 2014 totaled 1,256 according to revised numbers released Tuesday by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Initial estimates had 1,008 people dying of drug overdoses last year.
And, the epidemic shows no signs of lettering up. An estimated 312 people are thought to have died of an overdose in the first three months of this year.
A task force created by Gov. Charlie Baker released a report in June with 65 recommendations.
" Opioid addiction is a health care issue that knows no boundaries across age, race, class, or demographics," said Baker as the opioid task force report was released.
The state has made the heroin overdose antidote naloxone more available, and is working to provide more treatment beds.
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