As Michigan’s opioid epidemic continues, data suggests it has only worsened during the pandemic.

The System for Opioid Overdose Surveillance (SOS), a web-based tool featuring high-level data on Michigan overdose cases, offers a look at the potential rise in cases in our state during the pandemic.

Data from the SOS:

• From Michigan counties with available data, the number of suspected fatal overdoses from March 2020 – September 2020 was 15% higher than the same period in 2019.

• Statewide EMS naloxone administrations from that same period were 28.8% higher than in 2019.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is seeing similar concerning overdose trends at the national level, expressing that “while overdose deaths were already increasing in the months preceding the pandemic, the latest numbers suggest an acceleration of overdose deaths during the pandemic.”

“The disruption to daily life due to the COVID-19 pandemic has hit those with substance use disorder hard,” Robert Redfield, M.D., director of the CDC said. “As we continue the fight to end this pandemic, it’s important to not lose sight of different groups being affected in other ways. We need to take care of people suffering from unintended consequences.”

Michigan philanthropy has continued to leverage partnerships and support programs to address the opioid epidemic.

The Michigan Opioid Partnership (MOP) recently announced seven grants totaling over $1 million that will provide outreach for individuals who have recently survived a drug overdose.

The MOP—formed in 2018—is composed of several CMF members including the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation, the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan (CFSEM), the Ethel and James Flinn Foundation, The Jewish Fund and the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, along with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and Superior Health Foundation.

MOP has shared that research shows the period of 24 to 72 hours after a nonfatal overdose is a critical window of opportunity to engage affected individuals and connect them with resources to prevent a repeated overdose. With the funding support through MOP's grantmaking efforts Post–Overdose Rapid Response Teams will engage with individuals within that critical 24 to 72 hour time frame to build trust, understand their needs and connect them with critical services and programs.

As part of the Michigan Opioid Partnership activities, CFSEM, in partnership with global public health organization Vital Strategies, announced grants to 10 community foundations located throughout Michigan to reduce overdose deaths by expanding harm reduction services.

CMF and the Governor’s Office of Foundation Liaison (OFL) brought the opportunity to health funders through conversations in 2018. CMF then connected Vital Strategies with CFSEM because of their history with MOP.

The grant recipients, all CMF member community foundations, will use the funding to support implementation of harm reduction activities including syringe services, increased naloxone distribution, post overdose wellness checks, opioid overdose education and increased community awareness.

“For many communities, COVID-19 has turned a dire situation into a desperate one,” Mariam Noland, president of CFSEM said. “Community foundations like ours are well positioned to translate these funds into life-saving resources and support for individuals who truly need it. As we work to address this public health issue in Michigan, we are pleased to partner with a global public health leader in Vital Strategies, as well as our fellow community foundations to create immediate and effective impact.”

Want more?

Read more about the Michigan Opioid Partnership.