The number of deaths from opioid related overdoses rose by one percent in Massachusetts in the first nine months of the year.
State public health officials say over 16 hundred people died from overdoses in the state between January and the end of September.
That's an increase of 21 deaths over the same period a year ago.
Governor Charlie Baker says the state continues to invest in treatment, support, intervention and education programs to address the crisis.
In Berkshire County officials say there is also a dramatic increase in the number of deaths from opioids. That is partly because of the power of the drugs.