Data Shows Significant Decline in Fatal Overdoses in Last Year

CONCORD, N.H. – New data from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner shows that opioid overdose deaths in New Hampshire are down 35% from 2023 to 2024, outpacing the national rate of decline over the same period.

On March 18th, Governor Kelly Ayotte and state leaders praised New Hampshire as a model for the nation in fighting the drug crisis through law enforcement interdiction efforts and prevention and treatment initiatives led by state health officials.

“Thanks to our state’s coordinated approach to fighting the drug crisis, New Hampshire is a model for the nation in bringing down fatal overdose deaths,” said Governor Ayotte. “We will build on this progress and continue to be vigilant by strengthening our drug interdiction efforts through Operation Granite Shield and Northern Shield while supporting those in recovery with investments in our Community Mental Health Centers and Recovery Friendly Workplaces. Together, we’ll fight to keep dangerous drugs off our streets and give a hand up to our citizens seeking treatment for substance use disorders.”

“The significant declines in fatal overdoses demonstrate that New Hampshire’s all-hands-on-deck commitment is effectively addressing the opioid addiction and overdose crisis,” said DHHS Commissioner Lori Weaver. “The Doorways established an organized infrastructure that makes it easy for people in New Hampshire to get access to the care and treatment they need in their own communities. By working to reduce stigma, increasing access to community-based treatment, and implementing a comprehensive, statewide response, New Hampshire is recognized as a national leader in addressing the addiction crisis and a model for other states to follow.”

“I’m pleased that we continue to reduce overdose deaths, which is a testament to the dedication and collaboration of our public health teams, law enforcement and substance abuse treatment partners,” said Department of Safety Commissioner Robert L. Quinn. “While this progress is promising, we must continue to prioritize our collaborative enforcement efforts across the state to ensure we prevent these substances from entering into our communities.”

New Hampshire’s Coordinated Approach to Fighting the Drug Crisis:

• The Governor’s Office, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Safety, Department of Justice, local law enforcement, and recovery advocates work in close cooperation to prevent and reduce fatal overdoses.
• The State has helped increase access to treatment by training more primary care providers to treat Substance Use Disorders.
• Thanks to State efforts, naloxone is readily available, and New Hampshire is the first state to make Naloxboxes available statewide to any entity that wants to host one.
• New Hampshire is reducing the stigma around treatment for addiction through public health campaigns and the Recovery Friendly Workplace program.
• Since 2019, New Hampshire’s Doorways Program has served more than 37,000 individuals seeking treatment for substance use disorders.
• In Fiscal Year 2024, the Department of Safety provided Operation Granite Shield grants to 9 law enforcement partners, and more than 28 agencies statewide made use of the grant funds.

How the Governor’s Proposed Budget will Keep New Hampshire a Model for the Nation:

• Expanding drug interdiction efforts through Operation Granite Shield to include a specific focus on cross-border coordination with the City of Lawrence, as well as a dedicated Northern Shield program
• Continuing the successful Northern Border Alliance
• $10 million to support uncompensated care provided through Community Mental Health Centers
• Fully funding the Recovery Friendly Workplace Program