Heroin overdoses: Hamilton Co. sees spike in overdose incidents

Hamilton County health officials have issued an alert about a high number of drug overdose incidents since Thursday.

Over the past 24 hours there have been 36 drug-related emergency room visits by Hamilton County residents. The daily overdose reports from March 16 through today have indicated a continued spike in activity. Officials said the daily emergency visits and 911 dispatch counts are “over double the previous week average.”

Public health partners and the Hamilton County Heroin Coalition are recommending implementing protective measures which should include:

Having available and using necessary personal protective equipment

Avoid using street drugs alone

Carrying naloxone and being prepared to use multiple doses when necessary

The alert noted officials don’t know what may be driving this recent change in activity. However, they suspect it might have something to do with a change in the composition of illicit street drugs in our community, including mixtures of opiates, fentanyl, carfentanil, and other synthetics.

In Other News

Fallen Butler County soldier to be honored in his hometown

Butler Tech principal is 1st to win prestigious arts educator award

Here’s how you can help area students with school supplies in January

1st among region’s Catholic schools: Fenwick HS to have AI policy

Area surrounding I-75′s newest interchange gets new zoning aimed at...

About the Author

Denise Callahan