Overdoses are down across the country and in particular here in Michigan. 

Oakland County saw a 37% decrease in overdose deaths from 2023 to 2024. The county also reports the distribution of more than 2,300 Narcan kits to harm reduction clients. So far, its resulted in 430 overdose Narcan rescues between January 2023 and June 2025. 

The 25th annual International Overdose Awareness Day is Aug. 31. This year’s theme is “25 Years On. Still Needed.”

Although numbers are trending down in Michigan, education, the distribution of Narcan kits and peer recovery groups remain top priority for local organizations. 

The Alliance of Coalitions for Healthy Communities launched in 2003 with support of Oakland Counties Office of Substance Abuse Services.  Since its inception, the Alliance for Coalition of Healthy Communities has grown to include over 20 community prevention coalitions. They are currently serving more than 55 local communities. 

The organization has a drive-up Naloxone training resource fair planned for Aug. 31. It’ll take place at 5505 Corporate Drive in Troy from 9 a.m. to 5p.m.

Jonathon Maxgay is an Overdose Prevention Specialist with the Alliance of Coalitions for Healthy Communities.

Maxgay joined The Metro to talk more about the 25th International Overdose Awareness Day and how he’s personally been impacted by substance abuse. 

Hear the full conversation using the media player above.

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Overdose deaths in Michigan have been declining since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic brought on concerning increase in drug-related fatalities. But, Wayne County’s numbers stayed high until 2024 when it saw overdose deaths decrease by 42%.

Wayne County still leads the state in overdose deaths. Black Michiganders are disproportionately affected, with an overdose rate nearly double that of all other residents.

Accessibility to life-saving Naloxone (aka Narcan) and peer recovery coaches have been cited as a few reasons behind the decreases.

However, experts say keeping people from becoming addicted to opioids has gotten tougher.  

Avani Sheth, the chief medical officer for Wayne County, says drugs like carfentanil pose a challenge for continued overdose prevention.

“The drug supply continues to change and evolve in increasingly dangerous ways.”  

Carfentanil, used to tranquilize large animals like elephants, is 100 times stronger than fentanyl and even small amounts of the drug can be deadly. 

Sheth spoke to The Metro’s Sam Corey about why certain communities experience more deaths, what helps patients navigate recovery, and how expanding resources can help local communities.

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