Spike In Fatal ODs, 12 Deaths Since Jan. 25, Prompts Action By City

NEW HAVEN, CT —There's a "sudden increase" in fatal overdoses in New Haven, officials said Tuesday.

According to the federal Overdose Data Surveillance System map, there have been 12 fatal overdoses reported in the City of New Haven since Jan. 25, which is significantly higher than the usual average of two per week, according to the city. The fatal ODs have happened "throughout the city," with three reported in Newhallville and four in the Hill neighborhood.

Preliminary reports indicate that this cluster of cases is unique with the involvement of crack cocaine, crack pipes, and burned materials indicative of crack/cocaine use, but with a suspected mixture of opioids such as fentanyl.

The city is seeking to raise community awareness about this spike and the unstable drug supply in order to help to prevent additional overdoses and fatalities, a news release from City Hall reads.

“We are experiencing a sudden increase in fatal overdoses in the City of New Haven," Mayor Justin Elicker said, "And we want to alert residents and the community about these incidents and encourage residents to learn more about the resources that are available to them."

Elicker said that, “Residents who use drugs should be extremely careful and know that help."

He said those seeking may call 1-800-563-4086 "2-7." Or online at connectgnh.org to learn more or get connected to treatment.

The New Haven Health Department will continue to closely monitor overdose data through the Overdose Detection and Mapping Application program and is actively coordinating with local partners, officials said.

“It is critical that we raise awareness about this spike in fatal overdoses so residents who use drugs are extra careful,” New Haven Health Director Maritza Bond said. “The New Haven Health Department is working with city and community partners to enhance outreach and improve access to harm reduction supplies. Community members should reach out to your loved ones who use substances to get them connected to harm reduction supplies and treatment information.”

If you, or someone you know, would like to get connected to treatment, call 1-800-563-4086 -- any time, day or night -- or go connectgnh.org for more information. Residents who use drugs are also encouraged to get their substances or paraphernalia tested at the Yale-Community Health Care Van, located at 270 Congress Avenue, Monday-Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. – no question asked.