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Montgomery County Overdoses Up 50 Percent Over Last Year

Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley at the April 16 public health press conference.
Screenshot
Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley at the April 16 public health press conference.

Drug overdoses in Montgomery County have gone up by around 50 percent compared to the same time last year. On Wednesday, Mayor Nan Whaley encouraged people who must use opioids to not do it alone, and to make sure to carry the overdose-reversing drug Narcan.

"We know people are addicted during this time," Whaley said. "We see this increase to be very troubling and our goal through all of this, from COVID to addiction issues, is to keep people alive during this time."

Narcan, as well as training for using the product, is available for free in the county.

Call the warmline for recovery and mental health services at 937-528-7777, Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

If you are in a crisis situation, you can reach out to Samaritan Behavioral Health Crisis Care 24/7 at 937-224-4646.

While working at the station Leila Goldstein has covered the economic effects of grocery cooperatives, police reform efforts in Dayton and the local impact of the coronavirus pandemic on hiring trends, telehealth and public parks. She also reported Trafficked, a four part series on misinformation and human trafficking in Ohio.