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Greene County Opioid Overdoses Spike Over 24-Hour Period

WYSO | By Jerry Kenney
Published April 6, 2017 at 9:23 AM EDT
Heroin Fentanyl Pills.
Drug Enforcement Agency
Heroin Fentanyl Pills.
Heroin Fentanyl Pills.
Credit Drug Enforcement Agency

The number ofopioidoverdose victims treated at Greene County emergency rooms nearly doubled over one 24-hour period this week. County officials say they believe the powerful synthetic drugfentanylis to blame.

 

Fentanyl is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and up to 100 times stronger than morphine. Greene County health officials say even small amounts of theopioidpainkiller can be deadly.

Between April 4 and April 5, county hospitals saw a total of 10 overdose victims -- up sharply from the average of four to five overdose calls a day. 

Greene county has stepped up drug-overdose training for police and other emergency responders who handle overdose victims. Crews carry naloxone, also known by the brand nameNarcan, which can reverse or block the effects of an overdose.

 

Officials are also urging the family members and friends of known drug users to keep naloxone on hand in case of an overdose.

 

Credit Springfield Fire Rescue Division

Naloxone kits are available through Greene County’s Project DAWN Program.For more information on drug and alcohol treatment services, call 937-376-8700. Or visit StartTalking.ohio.gov.

 

Copyright 2021 WYSO. To see more, visit WYSO.

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Jerry Kenney
Jerry Kenney was introduced to WYSO by a friend and within a year of first tuning in became an avid listener and supporter. He began volunteering at the station in 1991 and began hosting Alpha Rhythms in February of 1992. Jerry joined the WYSO staff in 2007 as a host of All Things Considered and soon transitioned into hosting Morning Edition. In addition to now hosting All Things Considered, Jerry is the host and producer of WYSO Weekend, WYSO's weekly news and arts magazine. He has also produced several radio dramas for WYSO in collaboration with local theater companies. Jerry has won several Ohio AP awards as well as an award from PRINDI for his work with the WYSO news department. Jerry says that the best part of his job is being able to talk to people in the community and share their experiences with WYSO listeners.
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