3 Heights Overdoses Contributed To Countywide Death Spike

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — Three Cleveland Heights deaths were part of Cuyahoga County's record-breaking 69 overdoses in March, the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's office confirmed.

On March 5, a 55-year-old Cleveland Heights man died from a drug overdose after being taken to University Hospitals.

On March 9, a 45-year-old Brunswick woman died of an overdose while at a home on Carver Road.

On March 21, a 28-year-old man was found dead of an overdose at a home on Superior Road.

April is also on pace to be a deadly month for overdose deaths. Thirteen overdose deaths were identified during the first five days of the month.

If the current rate of overdose deaths holds, Cuyahoga County could see 739 overdose deaths in 2021. That would outpace 2017's record-setting year of 727 overdose deaths.

Based on data from the first quarter of 2021, Cuyahoga County is on pace to again see over 700 overdose deaths.Dr. Thomas Gilson, Cuyahoga County medical examiner, issued a public health alert on April 7, warning that overdoses were spiking countywide again.

"This is a serious development and the community should be aware of this spike in overdose deaths," Gilson said. "Some preliminary data suggests minority communities may be more vulnerable in this outbreak. Risk reduction strategies like naloxone kits and fentanyl test strips are available at no cost and are effective at saving lives."

Free fentanyl test strips are available at the following locations:

• Circle Health Services (12201 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106 | 216.721.4010)
• Care Alliance Clinic (2916 Central Avenue Cleveland, OH 44115 | 216.535.9100)
• Care Alliance Clinic (1530 St. Clair Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44114 | 216.781.6724)
• MetroHealth – Mobile Unit (3370 W.25th Street, Cleveland, OH 44109)

If you or anyone that you know is actively using or recovering from opioid addiction, contact Project DAWN for information at 216-778-5677. Eligible program participants, are given free Naloxone kits – the opioid reversing antidote.

Additionally, the Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board of Cuyahoga County provides a 24-hour crisis hotline at 216-623-6888.