Overdose Deaths Reach Near-Record Highs In Cuyahoga County

CLEVELAND — At least 69 people died of suspected overdoses in March in Cuyahoga County.

Dr. Thomas Gilson, Cuyahoga County medical examiner, issued a public health alert this week. Based on data from the first quarter of 2021, Cuyahoga County is on pace to again see over 700 overdose deaths.

Cuyahoga County has not had more than 700 overdose deaths since 2017, the height of the opioid epidemic in Ohio.

Early signs indicate April could be another deadly month for overdoses in Cuyahoga County. Thirteen overdose deaths have been identified during the first five days of April. Toxicology reports have not yet identified which narcotics were used in those overdoses.

In 2017, fentanyl, cocaine and carfentanil were the most common narcotics in overdose deaths. In 2021, cocaine and fentanyl have been the most used, Gilson said.

If the current rate of overdose deaths holds, Cuyahoga County could see 739 overdose deaths in 2021. That would outpace 2017's record-setting year of 727 overdose deaths.

“This is a serious development and the community should be aware of this spike in overdose deaths,” Gilson said. “Some preliminary data suggests minority communities may be more vulnerable in this outbreak. Risk reduction strategies like naloxone kits and fentanyl test strips are available at no cost and are effective at saving lives.”

Free fentanyl test strips are available 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)
• MetroHealth – Mobile Unit (3370 W.25th Street, Cleveland, OH 44109)

If you or anyone that you know is actively using or recovering from opioid addiction, contact Project DAWN for information at 216-778-5677. Eligible 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 provides a 24-hour crisis hotline at 216-623-6888.