Southwest Montana News

State and local officials in Montana have reported a concerning number of fatal overdoses in recent weeks. According to the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) and the Montana Department of Justice, working with local law enforcement, at least eight fatal overdoses occurred between May 22 and June 1. These incidents are likely related to opioid use.

The overdoses were recorded in Cascade, Custer, Gallatin, Lake, Lewis and Clark, and Yellowstone counties. The individuals involved ranged from 24 to 60 years old. Governor Greg Gianforte commented on the situation: “These tragic events serve as another reminder of the deadly consequences of illegal drugs funneled across our nation’s porous and insecure southern border.” He emphasized Montana's focus on removing drugs from streets, holding drug dealers accountable, increasing treatment options, and saving lives.

Most victims had a history of substance misuse; three-quarters were male. They were found alone after using opioids, making it too late for naloxone intervention.

Reports suggest the presence of blue M30 pills containing illicitly manufactured fentanyl. Fentanyl is an opioid analgesic significantly more potent than morphine. Its counterfeit forms are increasingly common nationwide and among those misusing diverted prescription opioids or other drugs in Montana.

Law enforcement seizures of fentanyl have surged in Montana this year. Attorney General Austin Knudsen stated: “The Department of Justice is working to get fentanyl off the streets... We know the dangerous drug is being smuggled in from Mexico.” He urged caution against taking unprescribed pills due to associated risks.

Fentanyl-related cases increased by 112% from 2020 to 2021; deaths rose from 41 to 87 during this period. DPHHS Director Adam Meier highlighted this statistic as indicative of rising cases involving fentanyl.

On June 6, DPHHS issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) message recommending eligible individuals carry naloxone for emergency overdose situations. Meier stressed: “It’s vital that when someone is experiencing an overdose to call 9-1-1 immediately.”

Montanans can access free naloxone through select organizations and pharmacies per information available on the Montana DPHHS Naloxone website. Additionally, first responders and public health professionals can participate in DPHHS-sponsored training courses for proper naloxone administration.

DPHHS noted a roughly 35% increase in opioid overdose-related emergency responses last year compared to 2020. In total for 2021, there were 836 such responses by ground transporting EMS agencies—averaging about seventy monthly—with July recording ninety-two responses.