Possible Overdose In Cleveland Heights; County Deaths Surge

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — Police are investigating a possible overdose death in Cleveland Heights.

On Monday, law enforcement found a man's body in an apartment building in Cleveland Heights. Police Chief Annette Mecklenburg said investigators believe the man died due to a suspected overdose.

If the man did die from narcotics use, his death would be part of a countywide surge in overdose deaths. At least 19 people in Cuyahoga County have died from suspected narcotics overdoses in the past week.

"At our current overdose mortality rate, we estimate we will suffer at least 600 drug-related deaths this year," Dr. Thomas Gilson, Cuyahoga County medical examiner said.

Cuyahoga County residents can get free fentanyl test strips 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)

If you or anyone you know is using or recovering from opioid addiction, contact Project DAWN for information at 216-778-5677. 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 offers a 24-hour crisis hotline at 216-623-6888.