The tally for January to April is lower than the 67 deaths recorded in the same period last year, but it’s 22 percent higher than that of 2020.
61 Vermonters died of opioid overdose in the first 4 months of 2022
Tag: opioid
Opioid deaths dip for second month this year, but no one’s calling it a trend
The eight opioid deaths recorded in Vermont in March, which all involved fentanyl, were down from 12 in February and 23 in January, according to the latest state data — but state health officials cautioned it’s far too early to talk about a trend.
Opioid overdose deaths in 2021 set new state record
Some 169 Vermonters fatally overdosed on opioids between January and October 2021, eclipsing the previous year’s record-setting total of 157 deaths.
Vermont will agree to national settlement with 4 opioid distributors
Cardinal, McKesson, AmerisourceBergen and Johnson & Johnson are expected to pay up to $26 billion, but Vermont would get less than 1% of that total.
Final Reading: Decriminalizing an opioid treatment drug
The Vermont House has advanced legislation that would decriminalize small amounts of buprenorphine despite opposition from Health Commissioner Mark Levine.
Regulatory approach to limiting opioid prescriptions sparks debate
Vermont's new rules for prescribing opioids have dramatically decreased the amount of the drugs dispensed in the state. But some worry about unintended consequences for doctors and patients.
Senate backs opioid levy; Scott doesn’t
The proposed assessment on painkiller manufacturers would generate money for prevention, treatment and recovery programs. But Gov. Phil Scott is threatening a veto.
Opioid epidemic prompts free child care in Brattleboro
A new program at the Brattleboro Retreat offers a “welcoming place” for kids while their parents undergo medication-assisted treatment for opiate addiction.
Man gets ‘break’ on sentence for heading drug ring in Rutland
“I believe a long prison sentence isn’t the answer,” defendant Joell Joyce told a judge, adding that he’s ready to turn his life around. Joyce got less than half the sentence he could have.
Relatives left behind by overdose speak about opiate response
Family members of people who succumbed to drugs offered an impassioned plea to lawmakers not to legalize marijuana. They joined a range of officials in discussing the opiate crisis.
In fight against opiates, advocates endorse honesty
Drug abuse prevention and recovery workers stress the need for more open and frank discussions with young people – starting in elementary schools.
Burlington mayor to host opioid town hall meeting
BURLINGTON — Mayor Miro Weinberger will hold a town hall-style meeting on the region’s opiate problem March 16 at Contois Auditorium in City Hall. The mayor will be joined by Chittenden County State’s Attorney Sarah George, Burlington Police Chief Brandon del Pozo and Rep. Selene Colburn, P-Burlington. “Despite the hard work of many state and […]
Lawmakers consider steeper penalties for fentanyl distribution
Heroin is increasingly laced with the synthetic opioid, said to be 50 to 100 times more potent. Fentanyl has been linked with the rise in overdose deaths.
26 arrested in Orleans County drug sweep
“We need to send a message that you will not be allowed to just sell heroin and opiates in these communities,” said Maj. Glenn Hall of the Vermont State Police.
