Despite recent data from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) showing a decline in opioid-related overdose deaths from 2017 to 2018, last year there were still nearly 2,599 overall overdose deaths in 2018, 2,036 of which were opioid-related.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently announced a plan to cut the number of opioid overdose deaths in half within the next five years.

"This is a crisis that's hurting families in every community across Michigan," Whitmer told The Detroit News. "And it's not going away unless we make real, concerted, meaningful steps to protect our families and those struggling with opioid use disorder."

Gov. Whitmer’s plan includes a statewide media campaign to raise awareness of and tackle the stigma surrounding opioid addiction,  including increasing access to opioid-treatment medications through Medicaid, increasing the number of syringe exchange programs in the state and expanding support for addiction treatment programs in prisons.

Providing outreach and treatment options for incarcerated individuals and returning citizens living with opioid addiction is a priority for the Michigan Opioid Task Force, which was created by Gov. Whitmer and held its first meeting in October.

Stephen Arellano, coordinator, Office of Foundation Liaison (OFL) and Sarah Wedepohl, senior program officer, Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan (CFSEM) were both invited to participate on the task force, helping to represent philanthropy at the table.

According to the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC), over 20% of Michigan’s inmates have an opioid use disorder and returning citizens are up to 120 times more likely to die from opioid overdose within two weeks of their release. The Task Force hopes that early intervention in prisons and access to medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) programs will help decrease these numbers.

“Medication-assisted treatment, along with additional substance abuse treatment services increases the likelihood of long-term recovery, reducing the chance of recidivism,” said Marti Kay Sherry, MDOC acting administrator, Bureau of Health Care Services.

MOUD programs have become more accessible for Michigan residents. Beginning December 3, MDHHS removed its “prior authorization” insurance requirements for medications used in such program, resolving a significant administrative barrier for treatment.

Michigan’s philanthropic sector is at the forefront of the fight against opioid-related deaths. The Michigan Opioid Partnership, a public-private collaboration dedicated to decreasing opioid deaths across the state, launched in 2018. The partnership includes the State of Michigan, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Superior Health Foundation and several CMF members: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation, CFSEM, Ethel and James Flinn Foundation, The Jewish Fund and the Michigan Health Endowment Fund. The partnership’s aim is to support addiction prevention, treatment and recovery efforts across the state.

As CMF previously reported, the partnership announced a $5 million commitment earlier this year to support pilot programs in hospitals and jails to expand medication for opioid use disorder treatment options in partnership with outpatient treatment providers. Since then, grants have been made across the state to develop and implement evidence-based treatment programs. The partnership provides support beyond funding to hospitals and jails, including connections to technical assistance providers and groups throughout the state and country.

“The Michigan Opioid Partnership recognized early on that in order to tackle this crisis, we need to be nimble and proactive. We are committed to opening more doors to evidence-based treatment across the state to help save lives,” Wedepohl said.

Want more?

Read about Gov. Whitmer’s plan to address opioid-related deaths.

Learn more about the Michigan Opioid Partnership.