Deaths So Far In July and 15 Since Friday

July 12, 2022

Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner Dr. Thomas Gilson issued a public health alert today informing the public that Cuyahoga County had at least 15 suspected overdose deaths from Friday, July 8 afternoon through early morning Tuesday, July 12. This follows up on nearly a dozen the previous weekend. Click here  to read the release, which includes more information.

Dr. Gilson warned, “With only just over one-third of the month behind us, overdose deaths are mounting quickly. Our concern for the public health and welfare compels us to issue these alerts and to provide as much information to the public as soon as possible. We do not have all the answers yet, but we will know more shortly. While we are continually on the lookout for new trends in street drugs, such as the carfentanil we saw in 2017, we have learned that the driving force behind overdose deaths in our community, fentanyl, needs no additional help. I caution everyone to be on the lookout and take all necessary safeguards to protect their lives.”

“It is important to understand that anyone using substances is at risk for an overdose. It doesn’t matter what race you are, what age you are or what drug you are using – the entire street drug supply is contaminated,” said Scott S. Osiecki, ADAMHS Board CEO. “We don’t condone drug use. We support harm reduction efforts because they save lives and as long as a person is alive they have an opportunity to receive treatment and live in recovery.”

Harm Reduction Saves Lives

• Information on where to get free fentanyl tests strips and how to use them at adamhscc.org/harmreduction.
• If using substances, don’t be alone. If someone who has Naloxone is not physically near you, use the Brave App or Never Use Alone Hotline: 1-800-484-3731.
• Carry Naloxone, the medication that reverses an overdose. Get it mailed to you for free from Thrive for Change or Harm Reduction Ohio. Project DAWN has various locations you can pick up from. Click here to view the locations.

Connecting with Substance Use Disorder Treatment

The ADAMHS Board of Cuyahoga County provides a 24-Hour Suicide Prevention, Mental Health/Addiction Crisis, Information and Diversion Center Referral Hotline: 216-623-6888. Individuals can call this number to connect with substance use disorder (SUD) treatment today. To learn more about SUD treatment, visit adamhscc.org/treatment.