CLEVELAND — Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner Dr. Thomas Gilson has issued a public health alert due to the rash over overdose deaths during the past month.
According to Gilson, there were 69 overdose deaths during the month of March. While it’s too early to project with certainty how fatal this year will be, Gilson says if deaths continue at this pace, Cuyahoga County could again see over 700 overdose deaths.
The last time Cuyahoga County suffered over 700 deaths was in 2017.
“This is a serious development and the community should be aware of this spike in overdose deaths,” said Dr. Gilson. “Some preliminary data suggests minority communities may be more vulnerable in this outbreak. Risk reduction strategies like naloxone kits and fentanyl test strips are available at no cost and are effective at saving lives.”
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Additionally, 13 overdose deaths have occurred in the first 5 days of April. Toxicology testing has not yet confirmed which drug(s) have caused the recent spike.
In 2017, fentanyl, cocaine, and carfentanil were the most common drugs found in the county's overdose deaths. Gilson says currently fentanyl and cocaine appear to be the most common drugs found in overdose deaths.
Naloxone and fentanyl test strips are considered effective ways to reduce the risk of a fatal overdose. Free fentanyl test strips are can be found 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)
Additionally, anyone who is actively using or recovering from opioid addiction or knows someone who is is asked to contact Project DAWN for information at 216-778-5677. Those who are eligible for the program are given free Naloxone kits.
The Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board of Cuyahoga County also provides a 24-hour crisis hotline at 216-623-6888.