BOSTON — Opioid overdose deaths in Boston decreased by 29 percent in 2025, falling to 120 fatalities from 169 the previous year, according to data from the Boston Public Health Commission. This figure represents the lowest number of opioid overdose deaths recorded in the city in a decade.

Ali Raja, vice chair of emergency medicine at Mass General Brigham, said he has observed a reduction in critical overdose cases at local medical facilities. "We're seeing fewer critical overdoses coming through our doors, and that's really meaningful," Raja said. He attributed the decline in fatalities to citywide efforts, including the widespread distribution of Narcan. Nearly 35,000 doses of Narcan were distributed across Boston during the past year.

"It shows that our coordinated efforts around the city are reaching people," Raja said. He noted that increased availability of the medication means more bystanders can intervene before emergency responders arrive. "That means more bystanders can reverse overdoses even before paramedics arrive," Raja said. "Those minutes really, really matter."

Signs of an opioid overdose include slow or stopped breathing, unresponsiveness, blue lips or fingernails, and very small, pinpoint pupils. Narcan can be administered as a nasal spray; if a person does not respond after about two minutes, a second dose may be needed. "If you see any of that, call 911 immediately," Raja said. "If you've got Narcan, give it."

Despite the reduction, Raja acknowledged the ongoing loss of life. "We're still losing 120 neighbors, 120 family members," he said. "It's really encouraging progress, and it shows we're moving in the right direction, but we still have a lot of work to do."