Officials on high alert after 19 overdoses in four days

ZANESVILLE, Ohio- A string of overdoses over the last five days have local officials on high alert.

Overdoses have been a large problem in the area. Since Sunday, 19 people have been treated for suspected drug overdoses just in the city limits. Local officials said this is becoming taxing for the Police and Fire Departments. They said a new problem they are facing are victims being left alone after the 911 call is made.

“One of the things that we’re noticing with the overdoses lately we’re seeing people that are being abandoned. People are calling 911, we’re being told the location of the victim, and when we show up there they’re unattended by anyone,” said Zanesville Fire Chief Eric Waltemire.

In addition to victims being abandoned, officials said the strain of drugs used seems to be more potent than others.

“We do want people to be aware that there must be fentanyl containing illegal substances or perhaps even stronger substances than fentanyl in them. The need for narcan to reverse it is getting very high. As high as ten doses used at the scene,” said Dr. Vicki Whitacker the Zanesville-Muskingum County Public Health Department Director.

Whitacker said families can also purchase narcan from the drugstore to have on hand in case their loved one overdoses. She said family should be aware of the signs that their family member or friend may be abusing drugs.

“They’ll have maybe slurred speech or difficulty walking. Pinpoint pupils, which is the dark part of your eye is very, very small because that’s the response you get to using opiates is a very small pupil,” said Whitacre. “Difficulty in their life. I mean they’re not acting like you have known them to be like.”

Of the 19 overdoses, four people have died and two people are currently on life support. Ten people have died in total since 2018 started.

Whitacre, Waltemire, and Chief Tony Coury encourage family members to seek help for their loved ones who may be struggling with addiction. If you’re in need of help you can call the local crisis phone line at 1-800-344-5818 or you can text the crisis text line at 741741. Muskingum Behavioral Health also takes walk-in patients and has support groups. You can contact them at 740-454-1266.