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Weapons were recovered from a home in the 10000 block of Gerlaugh on Nov. 12, 2015, along with 1.5 kilograms of heroin, valued at more than $120,000.

The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) sent an alert to the Clark County Combined Health District (CCCHD) with notification that Clark County is experiencing an increase in opioid drug overdoses within the last 24 hours. Clark County averages approximately 5-6 drug overdoses per day according to the Health District, currently there are at least 13 overdoses treated in the ER, averaging approximately 1 per hour.

As a result of the alert, local partners including law enforcement agencies, Springfield Regional Medical Center, EMS/Fire Departments and mental health and addiction services have been notified of the increase. Each agency is on high alert and are preparing staff accordingly.

Clark County Coroner, Dr. Richard Marsh, stated “Unintentional drug deaths are the most common deaths seen by the Clark County Coroner's Office, accounting for over 1/3 of the deaths that fall under our jurisdiction. While a variety of drugs are involved, it is the illicit drug fentanyl that is most frequently seen.”

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic narcotic that is estimated to be 30 to 50 times more potent than heroin, and 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. Majority of fentanyl reports by law enforcement in drug seizures results from illegally produced and trafficked fentanyl, not diverted prescription fentanyl.

The use of naloxone, the opiate reversal drug, has been critical to saving lives. Family members and friends of people who use drugs can obtain naloxone to administer during an overdose while waiting on first-responders to arrive.

For more information on services for addiction in Clark County contact McKinley Hall 1101 E High Street (937) 328-5300 or www.mhrb.org