Health officials say suspected opioid-related overdoses are on the rise across Montana

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services says there's been a significant increase in overdoses related to opioids and synthetic opioids like fentanyl this spring. In March, there were 95 reports of suspected opioid overdoses compared to an average of about 69 per month in the state in 2024. The last time there were this many reported overdoses in a single month was August of 2023.

From March 1 to April 15, there were an estimated seven fatal overdoses and 132 nonfatal overdoses. According to the Department, reviews of case reports suggest that most overdoses involved fentanyl, although confirmation through lab testing is not always available. Meth and cocaine are also included in many of the reports.



More than 1 million fentanyl pills were found inside a car pulled over in November 2024 on Interstate 10, Tucson police said. Researchers, advocates and Pima County’s top prosecuting attorney say the U.S.

Department of Justice’s priority shift to emphasizing immigration prosecutions will end up diverting resources from critical enforcement areas like drug trafficking. The counties with 10 or more suspected overdoses include Cascade, Missoula, Flathead Silver Bow and Yellowstone. “DPHHS wants to remind the public that when someone is experiencing an overdose, the timely administration of the emergency medication naloxone may successfully reverse their symptoms and save their life,” said DPHHS public health physician Dr.

Maggie Cook-Shimanek. Montanans can access naloxone at no charge from select community organizations . For more information, please visit the Montana DPHHS naloxone website at dphhs.

mt.gov . “This current overdose spike serves as a startling reminder of the deadly consequences that fentanyl and opioid overdoses have for our communities,” DPHHS Director Charlie Brereton said.

“Our administration is dedicated to ensuring Montanans have the awareness and necessary resources to combat this issue that has taken far too many precious lives.” David Erickson is the business reporter for the Missoulian. The business news you need Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly.

Business Reporter {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items..