COLUMBUS – In the wake of two fatal overdoses, and with a weekend of end-of-year and graduation parties ahead, Ohio State University officials are urging caution and encouraging students to consider getting free Naloxone kits or fentanyl test strips from the Student Health Services.
UPDATE 5/6/22 12:17 p.m.: This article has been edited to reflect that a second victim in this incident has died
UPDATE 5/11/22 8:50 a.m.: Police have identified the two deceased victims from this incident as Tiffany Iler, 21, and Jessica Lopez, 22, and the third victim as a 21-year-old woman.
Two students died and another student was treated at a hospital and released after apparent overdoses in a campus-area home, according to a media reports and statement from university president Dr. Kristina Johnson.
“Our hearts ache for our fellow Buckeyes and their loved ones. Please be safe and continue to care for one another,” Johnson wrote in a statement posted on her office’s web page.
Earlier in the day, university officials say Columbus Public Health shared an alert about fake Adderall pills, apparently laced with fentanyl, that caused an increase in overdoses and hospitalizations.
Overdoses are happening at an alarming rate in our community and they’re happening to people like you. Receive and send anonymous deadly batch alerts to protect loved ones from death. Text “SOAR” to 614-768-7627 or scan the QR code below. pic.twitter.com/MOjLof9Wfi
— Columbus Health (@ColumbusHealth) May 5, 2022
“As we approach a week and weekend of celebration, from end-of-year and graduation parties to the return of warmer weather, we want to urge you to consider safety as you celebrate,” Melissa Shivers, PhD, Senior Vice President for Student Life, wrote on the university website.
Shivers encouraged students to consider confidentially picking up free Naloxone kits or fentanyl test strips, available at Student Health Services, 1875 Millikin Road.
Students were also warned not to purchase or use prescription medication from any source other than a qualified pharmacy, due to the danger that the drugs could be counterfeit.