OD deaths up 25% in Montgomery County
Addiction treatment centers remain open during pandemic.
Overdose deaths are up more than 25% over this time last year in Montgomery County.
Preliminary data shows 101 people died of an overdose between January and April, compared to 80 in the first four months of 2019, the Community Overdose Action Team reported Friday.
The coronavirus pandemic and government shutdown are causing increased stress and anxiety for many across the county, but those who have an addiction are at greater risk, officials said. However, many area addiction treatment and recovery centers remain open, the team’s release stated.
Anyone experiencing stress or anxiety related to COVID-19 can call the Miami Valley Warmline at 937-528-7777. It is available from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays for free and confidential mental and behavioral health peer support services.
For immediate help 24/7, call Samaritan Behavioral Health Crisis
Care at 937-224-4646.
Another resource is the GetHelpNow Montgomery County app that provides information about mental health and addiction services in the county.
The Community Overdose Action Team said any illegal drug could contain fentanyl, which increases the risk of an overdose.
There is no safe way to use illegal drugs, but the action team says drug users should not abuse drugs alone, not share needles or use drugs containing fentanyl. They also should have the overdose
reversal drug Narcan available, and someone who can administer it, in case of an overdose, and in the event of an overdose to call 911 immediately.
Resources to help prevent overdoses
Naloxone/Narcan training. Project Dawn Montgomery County offers free virtual training on how to use Narcan and a free supply of the drug. Call 937-224-4646 to schedule a training.
Montgomery County Alcohol, Drug Addiction & Mental
Health Services maintains a list of local addiction and mental health treatment resources on the app GetHelpNow Montgomery County, as well as online screening tools at http:// www.mcadamhs.org.