Record Number of Overdose Deaths Reported in Delaware

DELAWARE – A new report shows that a record number of people died in Delaware as a result of an alleged overdose during the month of August.

According to reports from the Division of Forensic Sciences of Delaware, the number of deaths occurred during the month reached 39, the highest since the end of 2013. The highest monthly total was 27 deaths, in April 2018.

September 8^e, DFS has reported 202 deaths from suspected overdoses in Delaware so far this year. In 2017, 345 deaths were reported in ED as a result of overdoses, up 12% from 2016.

It is suspected that many overdoses involved fentanyl, a toxic and dangerous opioid that is 50 to 100 times stronger than heroin. DHSS warns people who actively use illegal drugs to assume that the drugs in their possession contain fentanyl. This powerful opioid can quickly affect the central nervous system and brain, making the time crucial for those who have ingested the drug. If anyone seems too sleepy to answer their questions, is having trouble breathing or can not be woken up, call 911 immediately. Delaware's 911 / Good Samaritan Law Prohibits Those Who Call 911 to Report an overdose and the person in medical distress to be arrested for low-intensity drug crimes.

The DHSS Public Health Division urges those who use substances to carry the overdose reversal drug, naloxone. In addition to being available in many over-the-counter Delaware pharmacies, anyone in need can access this drug through community training through Brandywine Counseling and Community Services or the atTAcK addiction group in Sussex County. The next Brandywine Counseling Community Training will be held on September 19th.^e at 6 pm at Bethel United Methodist Church in Lewes.

If you or a loved one needs addiction treatment or recovery services, you can talk to them in many ways. In New Castle County, the 24/7 crisis hotline number is 1-800-652-2929. In Kent and Sussex counties, you can call 1-800-345-6785. The DHSS website, www.HelpIsHereDE.com, can help you find treatment and recovery services in Delaware and neighboring states.