CLEVELAND — On Tuesday, Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner Dr. Thomas Gilson issued a public health alert after 19 people died due to drug overdoses this past week.
11 of those occurred over the Columbus Day weekend.
Toxicology texting has not confirmed which drug(s) are responsible for the increase of overdose fatalities.
Dr. Gilson says at the current overdose mortality rate, the county estimates there will be at least 600 drug related deaths this year.
It is regrettable to see a spike in drug overdose deaths with everything else that is going on,” said Dr. Gilson in a statement. “Naloxone kits and fentanyl test strips can help prevent overdoses, though our hope is for our addicted neighbors to find their way into recovery.”
You can see the breakdown of the fatality cases below:
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)
Project DAWN at 216-778-5677 gives free Naloxone kits to eligible participants and Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) provides a 24 hour hour crisis hotline at 216-623-6888.
