Opioid Overdose Deaths Surging In Lorain County

AVON LAKE, OH — Fentanyl drove a sharp surge in opioid overdose deaths in Lorain County this year.

The DEA recently issued a public safety alert warning Americans that fake prescription pills stuffed with fentanyl and methamphetamine are now available and could be driving an uptick in overdoses.

Between January and April 2021, there was a 20 percent increase in opioid overdose deaths in Lorain County compared to 2020. There has also been an increase in fentanyl detected in seized narcotics in Lorain County, the public health agency said.

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According to Lorain County Public Health, there is an opioid-related overdose deaths every 2.5 days in Lorain County.

"LCPH urges family members, friends and coworkers of someone who uses opioid drugs to carry Narcan in order to prevent overdose deaths and promote recovery," the agency said in a statement.

Lorain County residents can get a free Narcan rescue kit, and online training to use it, by requesting it through Lorain County Public Health online. You can also visit Lorain County Public Health, 9880 Murray Ridge Road, Elyria. The agency is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 440-322-6367 to make an appointment after hours.

Overdose deaths have also been surging in neighboring Cuyahoga County. Over the weekend, 12 people died of suspected overdoses in 48 hours. The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's office said they are not yet sure what's driving the uptick in overdose deaths.