CANTON, Ohio — Canton City Public Health is issuing an alert after a recent spike in overdose deaths.
Four suspected deadly overdoses occurred in Stark County from March 15 to March 20. There has also been an increase in overdose emergency room visits from over the weekend, health officials said.
"Toxicology has not yet confirmed which drug(s) have caused this recent issue. Key partners have been notified of this unexpected number and Public Health continues to monitor the situation," according to a Facebook post.
Summit County Health officials have also noted in rise in overdose deaths. There have been 58 fatal overdoses in Summit County in 2021, compared to 41 at this time last year.
Canton City Public Health sent out the following tips for people who use drugs:
• Reach out to someone for help; there are people that care about you
• Never use alone
• Have naloxone available. It's available at Coleman Crisis 24/7, or by calling 330.452.6000 and also at CCPH. CLICK HERE to request a kit.
• Know your supply and/or test your product for fentanyl
• Know symptoms of an overdose (trouble breathing, turning blue, clammy skin, nodding out, seizures, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, unable to rouse)
• Always call 911 when an overdose occurs
• Stay with the patient until help arrives
• Call the Opiate Hotline (330.454.4357) for info on detox & treatment
• Additional harm reduction resources can be found here.
