Overdose Deaths Spike In Cuyahoga County

CLEVELAND — At least six people overdosed and died in 24 hours in Cuyahoga County, the Medical Examiner announced on Wednesday. The overdoses happened in Cleveland and surrounding suburbs.

“We are seeing another cluster of apparent overdose deaths. Our recent experience indicates that this is likely related to fentanyl, possibly also carfentanil. These dangerous drugs may be mixed with other drugs like cocaine or heroin with significant increases in risk of death,” said Dr. Thomas Gilson, the county medical examiner. “Naloxone kits, fentanyl test strips, and not using drugs alone are some strategies that have been shown to save lives.”

Since August 18, at least 10 people have died from overdoses. From August 18 to August 20, the following deaths occurred:

• August 18 — A 56-year-old Cleveland woman overdosed
• August 18 — A 61-year-old Cleveland Heights man overdosed
• August 19 — A 69-year-old Cleveland woman overdosed
• August 19 — A 60-year-old Maple Heights woman overdosed
• August 20 — A 64-year-old Lakewood woman overdosed
• August 20 — A 47-year-old Macedonia man overdosed
• August 20 —A 46-year-old Cleveland man overdosed
• August 20 — A 31-year-old Cleveland man overdosed
• August 20 — A 65-year-old Cleveland man overdosed
• August 20 — A 56-year-old Newburgh Heights woman overosed

Project DAWN offers eligible participants free Naloxone kits, an opioid reversing antidote. If you know someone that is struggling with addiction, or recovering from opioid addiction, you should contact Project DAWN at 216-778-5677.

The ADAMHS Board of Cuyahoga County offers a 24-hour crisis hotline that can be accessed at 216-623-6888.