Alert issued after a spike in overdose activity last week

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Since the launch of Narcan Distribution Collaborative last fall, Hamilton County has distributed 375% more life-saving drug kits to the public.
Cincinnati Enquirer

The Hamilton County Heroin Coalition released a public health alert Wednesday warning of an upsurge in overdoses in the region.

The County of Hamilton Coroner's Office has reported nine overdose deaths over the last seven days.

Emergency hospital visits for suspected overdose were 11 per day, up from 9.1 per day three months ago, said Mike Samet, Hamilton County Public Health Spokesperson.

The coalition tracks deaths and issues alerts when numbers are above normal for first responders, treatment providers and the public.

"For the sake of caution and in order to provide situational awareness, we are issuing an alert regarding this gradual increase in overdose activity in the county," said the alert.

The authorities did not specify what led to the current increase, but noted that in the past, a change in drug use could lead to an increase.

"We really do not know what is causing the highs and lows," said Tom Synan, chief of the Newtown Police, head of the Hamilton County Hero Coalition. "My belief is that what's in the (drug) supply dictates what's going on in the street. Plus, it's never a factor, but multiple contributing factors."

"Alerts should remind first responders and people who interact with illegal drugs to exercise caution and follow safety recommendations," said Synan.

He added that crystal meth and cocaine use had increased nationwide and that these drugs, such as heroin, were mixed with fentanyl. "This is particularly worrying for all drug users who are not used to opiates, let alone these powerful synthetic products," Synan said.

More: Narcan Collaborative Distribution recovers the antidote of overdose that saves life in the hands of people.