Opioid-related overdoses killed 16 people in Wareham last year.

That number is the highest it’s been over the past five years, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

However, Wareham could be on pace to have fewer overdose deaths in the coming year as public safety officials reported seeing the effects of several initiatives aimed at combating the problem. Police brought attention to the issue in the department’s recent annual report to the town. 

“We’ve had some minor victories,” said Wareham Police Lt. John Gerard.

Gerard reported that the department received 12 overdose calls this November. Last year, officers responded to 26 calls in the same month.

In 2017, Wareham Police responded to a total of 167 overdose calls. In 2016, 15 people died from overdoses in Wareham and police responded to a total of 135 calls.

Deadly overdoses started spiking statewide after 742 deaths were reported in 2012 across Massachusetts. The following year, 961 deaths were reported. According to the latest state data, 1,821 opioid overdose deaths were reported statewide in 2016. 

According to the state’s department of public health, nine people died in Wareham from drug overdoses in 2013. In 2014, 10 people died in Wareham from overdoses. In 2015, seven people died in Wareham due to drug overdoses.

As the crisis ramped up, authorities and local groups took action.

The group Wareham Fighting Against Addiction launched in 2017 and recently celebrated its one-year anniversary. The volunteer group hosts a drop-in center for those struggling with addiction, offering several resources. The center is open the third Wednesday of every month from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Church of the Good Shepherd, 74 High St.

Around 2014, police and fire officials started equipping first responders with the life-saving drug Narcan. The drug, which is available without a prescription at pharmacies, reverses the effects of a potentially fatal overdose.  

“Several officers have successfully deployed Narcan during incidents throughout the year,” said Walcek.

Wareham Police are also involved with the Plymouth County Outreach Program, noted Walcek.

The program is a collaboration between law enforcement and non law enforcement agencies that provides outreach to overdose survivors. After responding to an overdose call, a Wareham plain clothes police officer, licensed clinician and recovery coach will visit the survivor at home. The goal is to help them receive treatment, said Walcek.

Last year, Warheam Police conducted 66 overdose follow ups.

Walcek said the program is an opportunity for the department to address the crisis from a different angle. He noted the opioid epidemic touches many different people. 

“There’s no question overdoses involve a great deal of human suffering – in one form or another – not only for the victim, but for families, friends and residents as well,” said Walcek.