CINCINNATI — Hamilton County Public Health officials issued a public health alert on Thursday after they identified 16 overdoses likely caused by fentanyl.
The deaths occurred between Sept. 30 through Oct. 5, noting the overdose surveillance “indicated some abnormal changes in overdose related activity causing suspicion for high levels of fentanyl in the drug supply.”
HCPH also said overdose emergency department visits increased Tuesday with 10 visits and on Wednesday with nine visits.
HCPH and the Hamilton County Addiction Response Coalition issued the following tips to help prevent overdose deaths:
- Officials warn even recreational drug users are at risk for overdose and death drug
- Narcan, fentanyl testing trips and other supplies are available and is not only designated for injection drug users
- Drug supplies can contain fentanyl, especially cocaine, crack cocaine and methamphetamine
- If you or someone you know overdoses, you should still call 911 – even if you administer Narcan
- In situations involving multiple individuals using drugs, make sure someone is available to administer Narcan
For those who are all alone, they can call Never Use Alone at (800)484-3731 before using drugs.
