Overdose deaths from opioids continue to rise in Alaska

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — A state report shows the number of deadly opioid overdoses in Alaska increased again with the powerful painkiller fentanyl linked to a larger portion of the deaths last year.

KTUU-TV reports the preliminary numbers from the state Department of Health and Social Services show that 108 Alaska residents died from opioid overdoses in 2017, a number that has been steadily rising over the past seven years.

According to the report, 623 opioid overdose deaths have been reported in the state from 2010-17, increasing by 77 percent.

Fentanyl-related deaths have increased dramatically, linked to 5 in 2016 and 28 last year.