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Greene County Opioid Overdoses Spike Over 24-Hour Period

Heroin Fentanyl Pills
Drug Enforcement Agency

The number of opioid overdose victims treated at Greene County emergency rooms nearly doubled over one 24-hour period this week. County officials say they believe the powerful synthetic drug fentanyl is 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 the opioid painkiller 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 name Narcan, 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.

 

Naloxone, also known by its brand name of Narcan, can reverse the effects of opioid 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.

 

Jerry began volunteering at WYSO in 1991 and hosting Sunday night's Alpha Rhythms in 1992. He joined the YSO staff in 2007 as Morning Edition Host, then All Things Considered. He's hosted Sunday morning's WYSO Weekend since 2008 and produced several radio dramas and specials . In 2009 Jerry received the Best Feature award from Public Radio News Directors Inc., and was named the 2023 winner of the Ohio Associated Press Media Editors Best Anchor/News Host award. His current, heart-felt projects include the occasional series Bulletin Board Diaries, which focuses on local, old-school advertisers and small business owners. He has also returned as the co-host Alpha Rhythms.