Fentanyl Overdoses on the rise in Ohio

Ohio reported 514 Fentanyl-related fatal overdoses in 2014. That’s a major increase from the 92 reported in 2013.

Ohio also reported more Fentanyl related seizure incidents than any other state in the US. With the increase in deaths and seizures in Ohio as well as several other states, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Drug Enforcement Administration are working to prepare health departments, first-responders, and medical examiners to detect the signs of Fentanyl use in their area.

Medical Director at the Zanesville Muskingum County Health Department Dr. Vicki Whitacre said the drug, referred to as ‘China White’ has definitely taken root in the local area.

“It is very dangerous,” said Whitacre. “People don’t understand how strong the fentanyl is and that’s why we’re losing people when they use heroin laced with Fentanyl. ”

The Health Department is equipped with Naloxone-kits that reverse the effects of a Fentanyl overdose. You can anonymously attend the training sessions held the fourth Tuesday of each month and take a kit home to be prepared to help a loved one survive the overdose.

“We do do it after hours,” saif Whitacre. “It really is a secure place and it’s also done anonymously. No one else is allowed except for the people who are teaching and myself and the nurse that helps me. ”

Simply call the Health Department and ask for a nurse to get signed up for training. The next session is scheduled for November 24th. The number for ZMCHD is (740) 454-9741.