( CINCINNATI, OH ) -- Since Friday, February 24, Hamilton County saw 9 suspected overdose deaths. With fentanyl, carfentanyl, and other deadly things being laced into drugs, Hamilton County Coroner Dr. Lakshmi Sammarco says that no drugs in any amount are safe.
Besides just heroin and opiates, there has been a rise in the use of cocaine. Cocaine is also being laced with many more potent drugs, causing a string of overdoses from it.
Recent research found overdose "hot spots" throughout the county. Most of the west side has been plagued by overdoses within the past 2-3 years. Lower Price Hill and Delhi Township, where this past weekend's recent overdoses occurred, are also hot spots, along with the I-71 and I-75 corridors.
Many programs that work to fight drug addiction in the Tri-State are asking for help and donations. One group that is helping, Addiction Services Council, shared their phone numbers so that addicts or someone who knows and addict, can call them to get themselves or someone they know into treatment.
Their 24/7 phone number for the Cincinnati area is (513) 281-7880. Their phone number for the Northern Kentucky area is (859) 415-9280. You can also visit the website for the Addiction Services Council.
Video of the Press Conference: