Big overdose spike reported in Erie County

SANDUSKY — The Erie County Health Department noticed a big spike in narcotics overdoses in Erie County, with 12 since Monday. The health department issued a "Bad Batch Alert" on Tuesday afternoon, saying it recorded nine drug overdoses. "This is considered an anomaly because the number of overdose incidents has exceeded the spike alert threshold of three overdoses within a 24-hour period," the health department said in its alert. Since then, three more overdoses were recorded Tuesday night, said Trey Hardy, chief behavioral health officer for the Erie County Health Department. The reports come on top of persistent reports that drug overdoses have risen during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hardy said the new overdoses stem from a batch of heroin or another opiate that is apparently contaminated by fentanyl. "We have not confirmed any fatalities at this point," Hardy said. "We're trying to educate the community that there's something going on. We don't have our fingers on exactly what is happening yet." The health department is urging relatives and friends of people suffering from substance use disorders to obtain Narcan so that they can take quick action if somebody is suffering a narcotics overdose. "If you or a loved one is experiencing opioid use disorder, please visit NarcanErieOhio.com to obtain a free overdose reversal kit by mail," the health department said in its announcement. "The users may not take it seriously but friends and family are using this information to reach out to people," Hardy said. There's always a risk in using drugs that are purchased illegally and that aren't regulated by the government, Hardy said. "They don't put labels on the stuff that tells you exactly what's in it," Hardy said. "You're rolling the dice when you buy this stuff." After the onset of the pandemic, there have been reports of frequent drug overdoses locally, in Ohio and across the U.S. For example, Brian Baxter, Erie County's coroner, told the Register several weeks ago that Erie County has "had a bunch" of drug overdose deaths and also had alcohol-related deaths. In a July 16 blog post on the website for Ohio State University's Wexner Medical Center, Dr. Margaret Williams wrote, "As the global COVID-19 pandemic continues, opioid overdose deaths are surging nationwide." Williams cited a report from the American Medical Association. "According to the AMA, more than 35 states — including Ohio — have reported increases in opioid-related mortality, along with ongoing concerns for those with a mental illness or substance use disorder," Williams wrote. Williams also wrote, "We're seeing the problem first-hand: the Franklin County coroner has reported the first four months of 2020 had 50 percent more overdose deaths than the same period in 2019." Hardy said the detox center at the Erie County Health Department has available space, and he emphasized treatment remains available in Erie County for people who want to deal with their substance abuse problem. Health department partners such as The LCADA Way, Firelands Regional Medical Center, Bayshore Counseling, Road to Hope, Sandusky Artisans Community Center and more remain active in Erie County and stand ready to assist people seeking help, Hardy said. "We can connect someone to any level of service they need," he said.