AMR's August report: Nashua and Manchester trending to end 2026 with the lowest number of suspected opioid ODs since 2015
AMR medics responded to a total of 44 suspected opioid ODs in Nashua and Manchester during August 2026. 30 occurred in Manchester and 14 occurred in Nashua.
1 of the suspected opioid ODs in August was a suspected opioid OD death and it occurred in Nashua. There were no suspected opioid OD fatalities in Manchester last month and that is the first time that has happened since we began tracking opioid ODs back in January of 2015. A significant milestone.
Both Nashua and Manchester are now trending to end 2026 with the lowest number of suspected opioid ODs and deaths since we began tracking them over 11 years ago.
In Nashua, through August, the data indicates that Nashua is continuing to trend downward on an annual basis for suspected opioid ODs at 7% lower than the previous year which would result in a record low. If that number holds, it will mark 5 straight years of suspected opioid OD incidence decline in Nashua. More importantly, suspected opioid OD related deaths are trending 28% lower on an annual basis in Nashua from the previous year and that would also result in a record low.
In Manchester, through August, the data indicates that Manchester is trending downward on an annual basis for suspected opioid ODs at 1% lower than the previous year which would result in a record low. That’s after falling 47% over the last three years. Suspected opioid OD-related deaths are trending 17% lower on an annual basis in Manchester from the previous year and that would also be a record low.
NASHUA AUGUST 2026 –
· Suspected opioid ODs – 14
· Suspected fatal opioid ODs – 1
· 7% of the suspected opioid ODs in Nashua were fatal in August.
MANCHESTER AUGUST 2026 –
- Suspected opioid ODs – 30
- Suspected fatal opioid ODs – 0
Please keep in mind that due to the nature of the opioid epidemic and its clear history of unpredictability, it is always possible that the trend of lower numbers could quickly change. Both cities continue to experience substantial declines in overall opioid OD incidents and deaths. At the same time, community Narcan activity has continued to steadily increase year over year. Although opioid OD volumes and deaths continue to fall, the continued need for investment and action to fight the opioid epidemic and prevent loss of life cannot be understated or ignored.
In NH, anyone can seek substance use disorder treatment by accessing the NH Doorway program 24/7. To access the NH Doorway program, call 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.
To help prevent death, it is critical that those who use illicit drugs do not use them alone and have Narcan readily available. Narcan is available throughout New Hampshire at most pharmacies. It is available free of charge from local public health departments & any NH Doorway location. It is completely safe and easy to administer. Narcan is available ‘over the counter’, meaning it is available without a prescription to anyone seeking it.
Please feel free to share this information. As always, if anyone has any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me! A bit delayed this month due to some days off to enjoy July.
