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Hamilton County officials urge people to have Narcan on hand amid increase in overdose deaths

Posted at 1:31 PM, Apr 24, 2020
and last updated 2020-06-10 15:41:56-04

HAMILTON COUNTY, Ohio — Thirteen people died of an overdose in five days in Hamilton County, Commissioner Denise Driehaus said on Friday.

Last month, there were 35 overdose deaths in Hamilton County, according to Tom Fallon, investigative commander of the Hamilton County Heroin Task Force.

The COVID-19 pandemic adds an extra layer of difficulty when the county's Quick Response Team tries to connect with someone who has overdosed, Driehaus said.

The county’s QRT tries to make contact with people soon after they overdose, but now, they can’t knock on people’s doors anymore. And that person-to-person contact is vital when trying to get someone into treatment.

“I think these death numbers are an indicator of how challenging that has become, not only from the provider side, but for the individual who suffers from addiction side,” Driehaus said.

Driehaus urged people to have Narcan available and noted that it sometimes takes more than one dose to reverse an overdose.

How can I get Narcan?

Anyone who needs Narcan should call Hamilton County Public Health at 513-946-7676. Hamilton County Public Health and the Narcan Distribution Collaborative is making Narcan available to the public free of charge.

Harm Reduction Ohio will mail Narcan to your house. Click here to watch a short training video before placing an order.

Hamilton County Public Health is still supplying syringe exchange services by appointment. Call 513-316-7725 for an appointment.

You can also call 513-316-7725 if you need fentanyl testing strips. If someone overdoses, you should still call 911, even if Narcan is administered.

What treatment options are available?

Addiction Services Council can help connect people with treatment options in their area. Call 513-281-7880.

Chief Tom Synan said earlier this week that treatment is still available at the following locations:

  • Talbert House | 513-629-2300
  • Center for Addiction Treatment | 513-381-6672
  • BrightView | 866-538-2161
  • Sunrise Treatment Center | 513-941-4999
  • UMADAOP | 513-541-7099

Synan said there are more locations in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky that are open and ready to help.

In additional to traditional treatment, virtual treatment options are also available.

Click here for more resources.