Opioid overdoses spike

Unusually high rates of opioid overdoses occurred locally Feb. 24, according to Lorain County Public Health based on data from emergency departments, according to a news release.

“Have naloxone with you if you use drugs or if you have a loved one who uses,” said Mark Adams, Lorain County Public Health commissioner.

Street drugs and any drugs not prescribed to you may contain deadly amounts of fentanyl — fake pills sold as Adderall, Xanax and oxycodone, according to the release.

Fentanyl is being mixed with all street drugs, including cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin, the release said.

Also, fentanyl is dangerous — it cannot be seen, smelled or tasted.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine, the release said.

The health department is urging people to their part to help curb the opioid crisis by carrying naloxone to help stop and reverse an opioid overdose — order and get trained for free; finding naloxone pick-up locations in Lorain County at bit.ly/3M0cvb3; having a kit mailed to you in one to three business days, order online at bit.ly/3phnx1X; and picking up a kit at Lorain County Public Health at 9880 Murray Ridge Road in Elyria.

Also, the health department encourages people to get naloxone rescue kits for their businesses, keep prescription medications safe and order a free medication safe and/or a disposal bag.

If you use drugs, never use alone, the release said.

Call 1-800-484-3731 and an operator will stay on the line and call emergency services if you don't respond, the release said.

Visit the Harm Reduction Clinic at The Nord Center. Exchange syringes, pick up fentanyl testing strips and get support.

When you're ready to ask for help, call 800-8886161 (hotline for the Mental Health, Addiction and Recovery Services Board).

Hear the voices of three local people in recovery, the release said.

Visit LorainCountyHealth.com to learn how health and safety are priorities for Lorain County Public Health, or call 440322-6367.