Overdose Deaths Surge In Cuyahoga County

CLEVELAND — At least 19 people in Cuyahoga County have died from suspected narcotics overdoses in the past week.

The majority of the overdoses occurred over the holiday weekend. Toxicology testing has not yet revealed which drugs were involved in the overdoses.

"At our current overdose mortality rate, we estimate we will suffer at least 600 drug-related deaths this year," Dr. Thomas Gilson, Cuyahoga County medical examiner said.

Overdoses occurred throughout the county, according to Gilson's data. Here's which cities have seen suspected overdose deaths in the past week:

• Cleveland
• Lakewood
• Maple Heights
• Garfield Heights

Residents from outside Cuyahoga County were also found dead within county lines in the past week.

“It is regrettable to see a spike in drug overdose deaths with everything else that is going on,” Gilson said. “Naloxone kits and fentanyl test strips can help prevent overdoses, though our hope is for our addicted neighbors to find their way into recovery.”

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.