(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries and letters to the Editor of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers.)

By Joseph A. Curtatone

Taking a closer look at notable city data—and interesting numbers. 

77: Since 2014, 77 Somerville residents were lost to overdoses. Saturday, August 31, is International Overdose Awareness Day, which we will be marking with a ceremony at City Hall on Thursday, August 29, at 5:07 p.m. During the ceremony 77 small flags will be placed for the Somerville residents lost since 2014, and a larger flag will represent those lost prior to 2014. Seventy-seven deaths in five years is a tragedy, and sadly that tragedy is far reaching. Each of those people had family and friends who cared about them and who miss them. As a community, marking International Overdose Awareness Day is one way we can show our support to the countless people whose lives have been touched by overdose deaths. 

100+: Each day the opioid epidemic kills more than 100 people across the country and in Somerville, most of our overdose deaths are opioid-related. Looking at national and local statistics around overdose deaths, it’s clear that we are in the midst of a public health crisis. Addiction is a difficult disease to treat and, sadly, far too many people have been lost to it.

733: Statistics about opioid-related deaths tell only part of the story of the toll that the opioid epidemic is having on our communities. The CDC estimates that for every opioid-related death another 733 people are misusing opioids. These are our family members, our friends, and our neighbors. The opioid epidemic is so widespread and so devastating that residents – often the friends and family members of users – have learned to use Narcan (a medication that can block the effects of opioids) and carry it with them in the hope of being able to reverse an overdose.

738: In April 2014, the Somerville Fire Department started carrying Narcan, followed by the Police Department that June, with the hope of reducing opioid overdose fatalities. From 2015 through 2019, both departments administered a combined 738 doses of Narcan in 312 incidents. Unfortunately, not every overdose can be stopped in time, but by equipping our first responders with Narcan, our hope is to save more lives and give more people the opportunity to seek treatment.

400+: After reading statistics about opioid-related deaths and overdoses, it’s difficult to feel hopeful. But September is National Recovery Month and an opportunity to remember that recovery is possible and that there are resources for those seeking help. If you or someone you know needs help addressing substance abuse or mental health issues, please reach out to the City’s COHR (Community Outreach, Help, and Recovery) Office at 617-625-1600. COHR Office staff works with individuals and families to review treatment options and develop a plan for appropriate care. In the last fiscal year, the COHR Office served more than 400 people, including more than 90 who were seeking help with substance use disorder or a combination of mental health needs and substance use disorder. The COHR Office also offers community trainings on topics like finding a pathway to recovery and mental health first aid, so keep an eye out for upcoming classes if you’re interested in getting involved.

Data-based decision making is at the core of how the City of Somerville develops policy and sets priorities. Every day we check the latest 311 stats, and throughout the week we meet for in-depth review of departmental data and city trends. The Data Download column shares some of the data we’ve been reviewing recently, as well as interesting updates. To see more Somerville Data, visit the online Somerville Data Farm at www.somervillema.gov/datafarm.