In 2017, the city reported 966 heroin overdoses, of which 77 were fatal.
Middletown EMS responded to 202 other responses for meth, cocaine, alcohol and unknown and prescription abuse overdoses last year, as well.
In December 2018, there were 20 heroin-related overdoses, of which two were fatal, a 63 percent reduction from the totals of December 2017.
According to city statistics, heroin overdose numbers were down for 11 of the 12 months in 2018. Those reductions ranged from 8 percent to 81 percent. The only heroin overdose spike seen in 2018 was in September, when 47 overdoses were reported, including five fatals. That was a 52 percent increase from in September 2017.
In 2018, the age range of people who overdosed on heroin was from ages 17 to 68, with the average age of 36.75 years. In addition, more males overdosed on heroin than females, 302 to 191.
Middletown EMS medics administered 834.4 mg of Narcan via 2mg doses using 419 syringes in 2018.
“We are encouraged by the drastic drop in heroin overdoses and will continue to work with healthcare partner Atrium Medical Center in this addiction fight,” said City Manager Doug Adkins. “The community has really come together with the City, our EMS and QRT (Quick Response Teams) teams and police to take action on this epidemic.’
How to get help
If you, or someone you know, needs help with an opioid-related addiction, contact the Heroin Response Team/Quick Response Team through the crisis line at 1-844-427-4747 (1-844-4CRISIS)
Opioid overdose annual totals
2016: 74 fatal, 458 non-fatal. Total: 532
2017: 77 fatal, 889 non-fatal:. Total: 966
2018: 53 fatal, 440 non-fatal. Total: 493
SOURCE: Middletown Division of Fire
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