Public deaths in our state that are opiod related are expected to surpass the number from 2016. Kevin Gabbert of the State Opiod Treatment Authority says other states have reduced the number of opiod deaths by, among other items, strengthening the “Good Samaritan” laws.

Last year 180 Iowans died from opiod-related issues. Gabbert expects that number to be at least 200 for 2017.