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WARREN -- Trumbull County is experiencing an increase in overdose deaths fueled by the soaring availability of the drug fentanyl, according to local health officials.
According to data provided by the Trumbull County Coroner's Office, as of February 26, there have been 25 confirmed overdose deaths and 10 unconfirmed overdose deaths in Trumbull County. The unconfirmed overdoses are pending toxicology results. For comparison, as of February 26 in 2017 (the year with the most overdoses on record), there were 12 overdose deaths; in 2018, there were 10 overdose deaths; in 2019, there were 19 overdose deaths; and in 2020, there were eight overdose deaths. All but one of the confirmed overdoses involved fentanyl, statistics show.
The availability of the opioid drug, fentanyl, continues to be a major concern in our community. Sometimes fentanyl isused alone but most of the time it is added into other drugs like heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine. Often, users are unaware they are taking the drug and most underestimate its potency.
Drug addiction and mental health leaders are asking the public to help lower the increase of overdoses in our community. Residents are urged to act by taking advantage of free Narcan (Naloxone) available through the Trumbull County Combined Health District.
"Narcan quickly reverses the effects of opioids like heroin and fentanyl," said Frank Migliozzi, health commissioner for the Trumbull County Combined Health District. "Anyone can be trained by one of our nurses to administer the life-saving medication and receive a free kit containing two doses."
To acquire Narcan, or for more information, call the Trumbull County Combined Health District at 330-675-2590 ext 3. If you know an individual in need of help for their addiction, contact the Coleman Access Center at 330-392-1100 for screening and placement into treatment or detox. Or call 211so that Help Network of NE Ohio may assist you.
"Addiction is a treatable disease" says April Caraway, executive director of the Trumbull County Mental Health and Recovery Board. "If we can save a person's life by using Narcan, we can help them get into treatment and on the road to recovery."