LANSING, Mich. (WSYM) — For the first time, Fentanyl is now the deadliest drug in America.
Federal health officials made the announcement on Wednesday that the drug replaces heroin as the deadliest drug.
State officials say the number of opioid deaths in Michigan last year was more than the number of people killed in car accidents and shootings combined.
There's a new effort underway to deal with the crisis in Michigan called the Michigan Opioid Partnership which includes the state health department.
The group will distribute millions of dollars in grants to communities across the state with a focus on medication-assisted treatments.
"So medicated assisted treatment really combines medication with counseling and behavioral health services in order to provide care to a whole person and enter into treatment."
The program, open to people regardless of income or insurance status will be looking at communities with the biggest need, ones that can form partnerships with hospitals and other outpatient treatment centers. The program is set to launch next year.
