Hamilton County, Ohio – Ongoing surveillance by the Hamilton County Addiction Response Coalition of daily overdose incidents since September 20, has indicated abnormal increases in overdose-related activity. While fentanyl has long been a part of our drug landscape, the recent uptick in overdose incidents likely stems from individuals unknowingly consuming fentanyl-laced substances, using drugs alone, or failing to utilize harm reduction strategies.
The Coalition says, “In light of these findings, it is crucial to prioritize community education on harm reduction practices. We must emphasize the importance of avoiding solitary use, calling 911 in the event of an overdose, and recognizing that any non-prescription drug not obtained from a doctor or pharmacy could potentially contain fentanyl.”
The Hamilton County Coroner’s Office reported ten suspected overdose deaths from September 20-26, pending toxicology confirmation.
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General Information
• All drug users, including recreational users, are at risk of overdose and death.
• FENTANYL MAY BE PRESENT IN YOUR DRUG SUPPLY. Drugs like cocaine, crack cocaine, and methamphetamine are increasingly being laced with fentanyl, which can cause fatal overdoses. We have seen multiple deaths among individuals using non-opioid drugs.
• DON’T USE ALONE. When using drugs in groups, ensure that someone is available to administer Narcan, if necessary.
Resources for Harm Reduction
• Narcan (Naloxone) is available and accessible—it is not limited to injection drug users.
• If you need Narcan, safe injection supplies, or fentanyl test strips, please call 513-316-7725 or visit this link. To get Narcan or Fentanyl Test Strips mailed to you, text “NARCAN” or “FTS” to 844-734-4081.
Emergency Response
• If someone overdoses, call 911 immediately, even if Narcan is administered. Ohio’s Good Samaritan Law protects you from legal consequences when seeking help during an overdose emergency.
• The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Treatment Services
• Treatment services are available. For 24/7 help, please call Central Connections: 513-558-8888.
The goal Hamilton County Addiction Response Coalition is to ensure that individuals know help is accessible and that harm reduction tools, such as Narcan and safe injection supplies, are widely available.
In response to this alert, the Coalition is encouraging service providers and first responders to increase their readiness by adjusting response capacity and implementing the following protective measures:
• Ensure the availability and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Be prepared to administer multiple doses of Narcan, if needed.
“Your immediate attention to this matter is essential to safeguarding the health and safety of our community.”
For any inquiries or additional information, contact Hamilton County’s Director for the Office of Media and Engagement, Bridget Doherty, at Bridget.Doherty@hamilton-co.org
