Community Advisory for Changes in Drug Overdoses
Community Advisory for Changes in Drug
Overdoses
City and County officials urge residents affected by substance use
disorders to get naloxone
Columbus
Public Health and Franklin County Public Health are issuing this advisory to
notify the public of changes in drug overdoses. Over the last 36 hours, there
has been an increase in overdoses, emergency room visits, and use of naloxone
by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) throughout the community. There have been
at least 3 deaths in this same time period. The most notable change is fentanyl
is being mixed with all street drugs, not just opiates.
Public
Health officials advise residents affected by substance use disorders and their
family and friends to follow our recommendations to reduce harm and death.
If
you are using drugs:
- Get
naloxone, a drug which reverses the effects of opiates.
- Be
aware of the dangers of mixing drugs including stimulants.
- Stimulants
do not prevent an opiate overdose.
- Do
not use drugs alone.
- Seek
treatment.
If you have a
family member or friend who is using drugs:
- Get
naloxone.
- If
you administer naloxone, call 9-1-1.
- If
you don’t have naloxone, administer CPR.
- Encourage
your loved one to seek treatment.
Columbus
Public Health Medical Director Dr. Mysheika Roberts said, “While naloxone can
be used to quickly save a life, the ultimate goal is to reduce the number of
people misusing drugs. We are encouraging naloxone use for life saving purposes
along with the use of substance abuse programs for people who are ready to
quit.”
For
more information on the opiate epidemic and the Franklin County Opiate Action
Plan, please click here.
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