The Villager Newspaper Online Your Community News – Cleveland's Westshore
Unusually high rates of drug overdoses occurred in Lorain County on Oct. 23, 2022, according to Lorain County Public Health (LCPH). Emergency departments, first responders and the Lorain County Coroner’s Office provided this data. This rapid increase included multiple drug overdoses, including fatalities.
So far in 2022 in Lorain County, 82 people have died from a drug overdose; 71 of those deaths were due to opioids.
Fentanyl is being mixed with all street drugs, including cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin. Fentanyl is a dangerous synthetic opioid that you can’t see, smell, or taste. Local and national officials confirm that brightly colored rainbow fentanyl has become more common.
“If you are using drugs that are not from a pharmacy, have naloxone with you, and never use alone,” said Mark Adams, MPH, REHS, health commissioner at LCPH.
LCPH recommends these ways to reduce your risk of death:
- Never use alone. Call 1-800-484-3731 or visit neverusealone.com
- Carry naloxone. Pick up nearby or order by mail: bit.ly/3AyWeo0
- Test drugs for fentanyl, exchange syringes, and get support at 3150 Clifton Avenue, Lorain. Harm Reduction Clinic details at: nordcenter.org/supportservices/harm-reduction-clinic/
- Get help with your addiction. Call 1-800-888-6161 or visit MHARSLC.org
Visit LorainCountyHealth.com to learn how health and safety are priorities for Lorain County Public Health, or call 440-322-6367. Get local health updates on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube.
