On Wednesday, Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner Dr. Thomas Gilson, announced that the county has suffered at least 66 confirmed overdose deaths in May due to heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, or a combination of the three.
The total is likely to increase with six suspected overdose cases still pending test results from May.
The deadliest month for fatal overdoses in the history of Cuyahoga County was in February of 2017, when 67 individuals died.
“This is sad and disappointing news. Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, deaths by overdose continue to be a public health emergency,” said Dr. Gilson. “Our county leadership encourages everyone to seek help with substance abuse issues. People can recover.”
Here is how the demographics of the overdoses (opioid only) broke down for May:
- 28 – City of Cleveland Residents
- 17 – Suburban Residents: Beachwood, Bedford (2), Brook Park, East Cleveland, Euclid (2), Fairview Park, Garfield Heights, Lakewood (2), North Olmsted, Olmsted Falls, Parma (4)
- 5 out of county residents – Avon Lake, Elyria, Medina, Jefferson, and Willoughby.
There are plenty of resources available to help.
FREE fentanyl test strips are available at the following locations:
- Circle Health Services (12201 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106 | 216.721.4010)
- Care Alliance Clinic (2916 Central Avenue Cleveland, OH 44115 | 216.535.9100)
- Care Alliance Clinic (1530 St. Clair Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44114 | 216.781.6724)
- MetroHealth – Mobile Unit (3370 W.25th Street, Cleveland, OH 44109)
If you or anyone that you know is actively using or recovering from opioid addiction, contact Project DAWN for information at 216-778-5677. Eligible program participants are given FREE Naloxone kits – the opioid reversing antidote.
Additionally, the Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board of Cuyahoga County provides a 24-hour crisis hotline at 216-623-6888.