Daily Hamilton County overdose surveillance since September 30 has indicated some abnormal changes in overdose related activity causing suspicion for high levels of fentanyl in the drug supply. Between Saturday, 9/30 and Wednesday 10/5, there were 16 preliminary overdose deaths. Overdose ED visits increased on Tuesday, 10/4 with 10 visits and on Wednesday, 10/5 with 9 overdose ED visits.
Local public health partners and the Hamilton County Addiction Response Coalition are issuing this alert to increase community awareness.
- Even if you are a recreational drug user, you are at risk for overdose and death.
- Narcan is available and is not only designated for 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 situations involving multiple individuals using drugs, make sure someone is available to administer Narcan.
- Treatment providers are open and offering services in many innovative ways. 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.
This alert should serve as a notice to service providers and first responders to consider adjusting response capacity and implementing necessary protective measures which should include:
- Having available and using necessary personal protective equipment; and
- Being prepared to use multiple doses of Narcan when necessary.
