Public Health Alert on Increased Overdose Activity

Hamilton County Public Health monitors daily overdose activity, and has noticed that since September 30th there has been an increase in activity, causing suspicion for high levels of fentanyl in illicit drug supplies. Between Saturday, September 30th, and Wednesday October 5th, there were 16 overdose deaths. Emergency room visits due to overdose increased on Tuesday, October 4th, with 10 visits, and on Wednesday, October 5th, with 9 visits.

Local public health partners and the Hamilton County Addiction Response Coalition are issuing an alert to increase community awareness. This Alert asks you to please note the following:

1) Even if you are a recreational drug user, you are at risk for overdose and death.

2) Narcan is available, and is not only designated for injection drug users.

3) FENTANYL MAY BE IN YOUR DRUG SUPPLY! Drugs such as cocaine, crack cocaine and methamphetamine likely contain fentanyl, the drug that can cause overdose and death. A high supply of fentanyl puts all users at risk. HAMILTON COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH HAS RECENTLY SEEN MULTIPLE OVERDOSE DEATHS IN PEOPLE USING DRUGS OTHER THAN OPIOIDS.

4) If you need Narcan, safe injection supplies, or fentanyl testing strips, please call 513-316-7725 or order them online .

5) If you or someone you know overdoses, you should still call 911 – even if you administer Narcan.

6) In situations involving multiple individuals using drugs, make sure someone is available to administer Narcan; and

7) Treatment centers are open and offering services in many innovative ways. If you need help please call 513-281-7880.

Please spread the word to let people know that help is available, Narcan is accessible, and safe injection supplies are available.

This alert should also serve as a notice to service providers and first responders to consider adjusting response capacity and implementing necessary protective measures which should include:

1) Having available and using necessary personal protective equipment; and

2) Being prepared to use multiple doses of Narcan when necessary.

The format and/or content of this post has been edited to fit guidelines of the Cincinnati Chapter of United Resource Connection for this rebroadcast. You can view the original post, Public Health Alert: Overdose Activity , on the Hamilton County Public Health website.

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