Licking issues advisory after overdose increase

Licking County health officials issued a community advisory Tuesday after an increased number of drug overdoses, overdose deaths, emergency room visits and 911 calls for emergency services from this past weekend.

In 2017, Licking County reported more than 35 overdose deaths. As of May 1, there have been 10 confirmed overdose deaths this year. Officials were not available Tuesday to provide specific numbers for the weekend.

The Licking County Health Department urged drug users to be aware of the dangers of mixing alcohol and opioids and to try to have naloxone on hand. The drug — sold under the brand name Narcan — can reverse opioid overdoses.

Free Narcan kits are available from the health department through a grant from the Ohio Department of Health.

The kits can be requested online and mailed to homes. The drug has been in use for more than 40 years and has no potential for abuse.

The department also recommends that family members and friends of drug users become educated on how to administer the drug and contact emergency medical services.