ELYRIA, Ohio — Lorain County Public Health has issued an overdose spike alert after data from area emergency departments indicated "unusually high rates of opioid overdoses."
Specifically, Health Commissioner Mark Adams is warning of fake pills looking like Adderall, Xanax, or oxycodone that actually contain "deadly" amounts of fentanyl. Per the department, fentanyl is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine, and is often mixed with more common drugs like cocaine and meth.
"Have naloxone (i.e. Narcan) with you if you use drugs or if you have a loved one who uses," Adams said in a statement.
The health department has shared a free Narcan kit order form, and the medication can be picked up at pharmacies across the region as well as at Lorain County Public Health at 9880 Murray Ridge Road in Elyria. Those using drugs are encouraged to never use alone, and call (800) 484-3731 to speak to an operator who will call 911 if they do not receive a response. Those seeking help with addiction can also call the Mental Health, Addiction & Recovery Services Board of Lorain County's crisis hotline at (800) 888-6161 or visit The Nord Center's Harm Reduction Clinic in Lorain.