Heightened Overdose Cases Prompt Public Health Alert

The advisory was issued Wednesday by the Hamilton County Heroin Coalition.

(Hamilton County, Oh.) - The Hamilton County Heroin Coalition warning the public about a spike in drug overdoses. 

A public health alert was issued Wednesday after local hospitals reported a sharp increase in emergency room visits for apparent opioid overdoses.

A change in the composition of street drugs is likely to blame for the increase. The illicit drugs may contain mixtures of not just heroin, but more dangerous drugs such as fentanyl and carfentanil.

“In recent days, we have observed an elevation in two measures – emergency department visits and preliminary deaths – used to estimate opioid overdose activity in Hamilton County. The average value for both of these measures over the past seven days was greater than the average observed in the 90 days before this period. Out of caution and to provide situational awareness, we are issuing an alert regarding this gradual rise in overdose activity in the county,” the coalition said in its advisory.

The alert is not only for drug users. It is a warning for their families as well as local first responders and healthcare providers.

The Hamilton County Heroin Coalition provided these recommendations:

• Do not field test drugs or injection equipment.
• Have available and use necessary personal protective equipment (including gloves and respiratory protection); for detailed guidance see: www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/fentanyl/risk.html.
• Carry extra doses of naloxone (Narcan) and administer multiple doses, if necessary.
• Administer naloxone for drug overdoses even when non-opioids indicated. Naloxone is sold over-thecounter in pharmacies throughout the area. Hamilton County Public Health through the Narcan Distribution Collaborative will also provide free Narcan after a brief training. For more information, please visit: https://www.hamiltoncountyhealth.org/harm-reduction/narcan/
• If you are a user, do not use alone.
• Avoid mixing drugs (including alcohol) which increases the risk of overdose.
• Call 911 after every overdose, even if naloxone has been used.
• If you are a user, do not leave the ambulance or hospital against medical advice after naloxone has been administered to reverse the overdose. The naloxone may wear off before the opioids wear off – and you could go into overdose again.
• For referral to addiction treatment services, please call 513-281-7880.