Opioid Deaths Continue to Run High in Massachusetts

BOSTON (AP) _ State public health officials say preliminary statistics point to a continued increase in opioid-related overdose deaths in Massachusetts.

The Department of Public Health on Wednesday released estimates of opioid deaths for the first six months of 2015, as well as an updated total of confirmed overdose deaths last year.

Officials said the estimated number of deaths for January, February and March of the current year appear to be running higher than in the same period a year ago. The department said figures for April, May and June of 2015 remain preliminary and subject to change as more information is collected.

The state has now confirmed 1,089 opioid deaths in 2014, with that figure expected to rise.

Several bills aimed at addressing the opioid addiction crisis are pending at the Statehouse.