COLUMBUS – Following a report of a spike in overdose deaths in Franklin County, local health officials are issuing a public advisory to make residents more aware of resources available.
The Franklin County Coroner’s Office reported an increase in drug overdose deaths over the last week, a trend health officials say indicate that the synthetic opioid fentanyl and other substances are being mixed with all recreational street drugs, including cocaine, counterfeit pills, meth, heroin and marijuana.
Anyone witnessing or experiencing a suspected overdose should call 9-1-1 immediately.
If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health or substance use related emergency call the Netcare Access Crisis Hotline: 614-276-CARE (2273).
The advisory from Columbus Public Health and Franklin County Public Health is intended to notify the public of the increase in drug overdose deaths and encourage residents affected by substance use to seek local resources, including access to free naloxone, a prescription medication that can reverse an overdose; free fentanyl testing strips to limit unintentional exposure to fentanyl, and treatment and supportive services.
Additional efforts include increased outreach by the Rapid Response Addiction and Crisis Team, a partnership of the Columbus Division of Fire, ADAMH and Southeast Healthcare, in neighborhoods that have been hardest hit with overdose runs. Any non-emergency requests for help can be directed to RREACT at 614-330-3413.
Under Project DAWN (Deaths Avoided with Naloxone) naloxone kits are available for residents and may be picked up at the Columbus Division of Fire Headquarters, EMS Records Office at 3639 Parsons Avenue (Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.)
Franklin County Public Health is providing additional doses of naloxone to all police and fire departments in Franklin County and has obtained an emergency supply of naloxone from the state to distribute in identified high-risk communities.
Free community naloxone trainings can be scheduled through Franklin County Public Health and participants can receive a free naloxone kit.