Southwest Montana News

State and local officials in Montana have reported a significant rise in overdose cases over the past two weeks. The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) and the Montana Department of Justice (DOJ), along with local law enforcement, have documented 28 non-fatal and eight fatal overdoses, likely linked to opioids, across 13 counties from January 11 to January 23. These incidents involved individuals aged between 24 and 60 years old.

Governor Greg Gianforte addressed the situation, stating, “Like states across the nation, Montana has seen an alarming rise in fentanyl and opioid use and, as a result, a tragic loss of life. As families grieve the loss of loved ones, I ask Montanans to help get the word out that one pill can kill.”

The governor emphasized efforts to enhance access to recovery programs and tackle criminal activities related to drug misuse. His budget includes a $300 million investment in behavioral health and increased funding for the HEART Fund by 50 percent. This aims to support comprehensive behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment programs statewide.

To address criminal accountability, Governor Gianforte collaborated with Attorney General Austin Knudsen to allocate resources for additional highway patrol troopers, criminal investigators, and prosecutors at the DOJ. Furthermore, his budget secures permanent funding for eight treatment courts losing federal support.

Recent data indicates that many overdose victims had a history of substance misuse. Five out of eight fatalities were females who likely used opioids alone. They were discovered too late for naloxone administration.

Authorities identified pills marked as M30 containing illicitly manufactured fentanyl as contributors to these overdoses. Fentanyl is significantly more potent than morphine and its counterfeit versions are prevalent both nationally and within Montana.

DOJ statistics reveal that fentanyl seizures by law enforcement have nearly tripled in early 2022 compared to all of 2021.

A DPHHS Health Alert Network message was issued this week recommending naloxone availability for those at risk of opioid-related overdose. DPHHS Director Charlie Brereton noted, “Naloxone is a life-saving tool that is widely used in Montana when someone is experiencing an overdose.” He stressed its timely administration could reverse symptoms temporarily but urged calling emergency services regardless.

Montanans can obtain naloxone free from select organizations or pharmacies through state standing orders. Training courses are available for first responders and public health professionals on proper naloxone administration during witnessed overdoses.