Medical Examiner: 5 Suspected Overdose Deaths in One Day

CLEVELAND – Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner Dr. Thomas Gilson, today issued a public health alert, stating that Cuyahoga County suffered at least 5 suspected overdose deaths within a 12-hour-period on June 1, 2023.
“Drug overdose continues to be a problem in our community with periodic clusters of deaths like yesterday,” Dr. Gilson warned. “Individuals should avoid using illicit drugs or use a harm reduction plan in the event they are unable to stop using. Treatment can help with long-term sobriety.”

Consider developing a personal harm reduction plan if you or anyone that you know is actively using or recovering from opioid addiction. Harm reduction plans can include the following:
• Have Naloxone and fentanyl test strips ready. Naloxone and fentanyl test strips will work with most fentanyl analogues.
• Don’t use drugs alone. There is a much higher risk of fatally overdosing if another person is not monitoring.
• Sit upright. Sitting upright can reduce the risk of slumping forward in an overdose – potentially causing airway obstruction.
• Call 911 (Good Samaritan). The Good Samaritan Law provides immunity for a minor drug possession or drug paraphernalia offense for the person who overdosed and the person who called 911 to seek help.
• Seek Treatment. As with most chronic diseases, addiction is treatable. While treatment may vary upon an individual’s needs, recovery is possible.
For a list of community resources, please visit:
https://www.testyourdrugscc.com