CINCINNATI — Hamilton County Public Health issued an alert Thursday warning residents of rising overdoses in the area since Dec. 31, which officials said signals that there may be an increased presence of fentanyl in the drug supply.
Hamilton County Public Health said 22 overdoses were recorded from overdose emergency department visits and 911 dispatches on Dec. 31. Then, on Jan. 2, overdose emergency department visits rose to 12. The Hamilton County Coroner's Office also reported three suspected overdose deaths that same day, which are awaiting confirmation.
The alert was issued in order to bring awareness, and Hamilton County Public Health included these notes in the press release to warn about the overdoses:
- Even recreational drug users are at risk for overdose and death
- Narcan is available and accessible to all
- Fentanyl could be in your drug supply, specifically noting cocaine, crack cocaine and methamphetamine
- Anyone who needs Narcan, safe injection supplies or fentanyl testing strips can call 513-316-7725 or visit this website
- If you or someone you know overdoses, immediately call 911
- In Ohio, you can call 911 for overdoses and are safe from punishment or prosecution
- Hamilton County Public Health also reminds the public that treatment is available, and individuals can call 513-281-7880