09/02/2026
FIRST MONTH SINCE 2015 WITHOUT AN OVERDOSE DEATH IN MANCHESTER NH - The City of Manchester NH Records First Month Without a Suspected Overdose Fatality Since 2015.
American Medical Response (AM) reported yesterday that the City of Manchester just experienced its first month on record with no suspected overdose fatalities since 2015.
This milestone has been the result of dedicated City and community leadership to evidence-based interventions, coordinated rapid response, and ongoing partnership and collaboration.
"For more than a decade and a half, the opioid crisis has claimed hundreds of lives throughout NH and devastated countless families. Going an entire month in Manchester without a suspected opioid-overdose death—for the first time in 140 months—is an extraordinary milestone" said Chris Stawasz, AMR Regional Director, "It reflects the dedicated work of AMR medics, Manchester Fire and Police, public health officials, treatment and recovery providers, and scores of community partners. We should celebrate this progress while continuing the work needed to make opioid overdose-fatality free months the expectation, not the exception."
"This milestone represents something incredibly meaningful: lives saved," said Mayor Jay Ruais.
"Manchester has worked relentlessly to confront the opioid crisis in a comprehensive way, and for the first time since this crisis began, we have gone an entire month without losing a life to a suspected overdose. That is a moment worth recognizing, while understanding that even one life lost is one too many. We will build on this progress and remain focused on making Manchester a healthier and safer community. I want to thank our Health Department, first responders, and all our community partners whose work is making a real difference every day."
"This is an incredible milestone and a testament to the hard work of our first responders, law enforcement, treatment and recovery providers, and everyone on the front lines of this fight," said Governor Kelly Ayotte
"We know there is more work ahead, but this progress shows that our coordinated approach is saving lives. We will keep working together to get deadly drugs off our streets, strengthen prevention, and make sure Granite Staters in recovery get the support they need."
Health officials warn that while this is a moment of achievement, the opioid crisis is still posing a public health threat to its constituents and that continued vigilance and support for those in recovery remains essential. Anyone can seek substance use disorder treatment by accessing the NH Doorway program 24/7 by calling 2-1-1 at any time of the day or night, or visit www.thedoorway.nh.gov. If you believe someone is overdosing, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Press release courtesy of AMR and The Manchester NH Mayors office.
