A Press Release from Hamilton County Public Health:
Ongoing surveillance of daily overdose incidents since December 31 has indicated some abnormal changes in overdose related activity. Historical trends suggest a potential surge in fentanyl presence within the drug supply. On Sunday, December 31, 2023, both overdose emergency department (ED) visits and 911 dispatches saw an increase, with 11 overdoses recorded for each metric. Subsequently, on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, overdose ED visits rose again to 12, and the Hamilton County Coroner’s Office reported three suspected overdose deaths January 2nd, pending toxicology review and confirmation.
This alert is being issued collaboratively by local public health partners and the Hamilton County Addiction Response Coalition to enhance community awareness.
- Even if you are a recreational drug user, you are at risk for overdose and death.
- Narcan is available, accessible, and is not limited to injection drug users.
- 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. WE HAVE SEEN MULTIPLE DEATHS IN PEOPLE USING DRUGS OTHER THAN OPIOIDS.
- If you need Narcan, safe injection supplies, or fentanyl testing strips, please call 513-316-7725 or visit: https://www.flowcode.com/page/harmreduction
- If you or someone you know overdoses, you should still call 911 – even if you administer Narcan. In Ohio, you can call 911 free from fear that you will be punished or prosecuted for getting someone the help they need when they need it.
- In situations involving multiple individuals using drugs, make sure someone is available to administer Narcan.
- Treatment is open and available. If you need help, please call 513-281-7880.
We want to ensure that people know that help is available, Narcan is accessible, and safe injection supplies are available.
By disseminating this alert, we seek to prompt service providers and first responders to adjust response capacity and implement essential protective measures promptly.
- Having available and using necessary personal protective equipment; and
- Be ready to administer multiple doses of Narcan, as needed.
Your attention to this matter is critical in safeguarding the well-being of our community members.
