Fatal Overdoses Near Record High In Cuyahoga County

CLEVELAND — At least 66 people died from a fatal drug overdose in Cuyahoga County in May, the county medical examiner announced Wednesday. All of the overdoses were caused by either heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, or a combination of the three drugs.

The deadliest month for fatal overdoses in Cuyahoga County is February 2017, when 67 people died from drug use. May 2020 could surpass that month as the deadliest on record because six possible overdose cases are still waiting on test results, Dr. Thomas Gilson, the county medical examiner said.

“This is sad and disappointing news. Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, deaths by overdose continue to be a public health emergency,” said Gilson. “Our county leadership encourages everyone to seek help with substance abuse issues. People can recover.”

According to Gilson, 28 of May's opioid overdose deaths involved Cleveland residents. Seventeen opioid overdoses involved suburban residents. Cocaine overdoses were not included in the geographic breakdown.

Here are the suburbs where a resident died due to an opioid overdose in May:

• Beachwood,
• Bedford (2),
• Brook Park,
• East Cleveland,
• Euclid (2),
• Fairview Park,
• Garfield Heights,
• Lakewood (2),
• North Olmsted,
• Olmsted Falls,
• Parma (4), and
• 5 out of county residents – Avon Lake, Elyria, Medina, Jefferson, and Willoughby.

Cuyahoga County residents can get free fentanyl test strips at the following locations:

• Circle Health Services (12201 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106 | 216.721.4010)
• Care Alliance Clinic (2916 Central Avenue Cleveland, OH 44115 | 216.535.9100)
• Care Alliance Clinic (1530 St. Clair Avenue, Cleveland OH 44114 | 216.781.6724)

If you or anyone you know is using or recovering from opioid addiction, contact Project DAWN for information at 216-778-5677. Program participants are given free Naloxone kits — the opioid reversing antidote.

Additionally, the Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board of Cuyahoga County offers a 24-hour crisis hotline at 216-623-6888.