Opioid Overdose Deaths Surging In Lorain County

AVON LAKE, OH — Opioid overdose deaths are on the rise in Lorain County.

Between January and April 2021, there was a 20-percent increase in reported opioid overdoses, the Lorain County Public Health Department announced. There has also been an increase in fentanyl seized in Lorain County during that same time period.

Based on the county health department's data, an opioid-related overdose death happens every 2.5 days in Lorain County.

Family, friends and coworkers of someone using opioids are urged to carry Narcan, the anti-overdose drug, to prevent deaths. Anyone using opioids is also encouraged to carry a Narcan rescue kit with them.

“Saving someone’s life with Narcan provides a chance for that person to seek recovery,” said David Covell, health commissioner for Lorain County. “Getting support from others helps a person with addiction seek and reach recovery.”

Free Narcan rescue kits are available through Lorain County Public Health. Residents can have kits mailed to them, and receive training on how to use the kits, by submitting a request to the health department online.

Or, residents can visit Lorain County Public Health, 9880 Murray Ridge Road, Elyria, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to get Narcan training and pick up a Narcan rescue kit. Call 440-322-6367 to make an appointment after hours.

Last year, Lorain County Public Health distributed 932 Narcan rescue kits to residents. Reports indicate those kits saved the lives of 140 people. That's slightly more people than were killed by opioids in 2020 (138 in Lorain County).