Suspected fentanyl-caused overdose deaths alarm Eugene officials (Nine in one week)
KLCC | By Rachael McDonald - Published August 9, 2023 at 3:23 PM PDT
Eugene Police have sounded the alarm about a spate of nine overdose deaths in the last week. The deaths are suspected to be from fentanyl– which health officials say has become pervasive in illicit drugs.
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Public health officials advise that people who use opioids don’t use them alone and have Narcan on hand. Narcan, otherwise known as naloxone, is a medication that reverses overdoses. It’s soon to become available over the counter.
Lavake said Narcan should be part of basic first aid kits as it can save lives.
“We all live in this community together and I don’t know anyone that hasn't been touched personally by mental health, addiction, substance use,” said Lavake. “It’s so prevalent in our community that I think it falls upon all of us to be responsible, to learn a little bit more about what’s going on. Hopefully, Lane County Public Health is able to support people in having those conversations.”
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https://www.klcc.org/health-medicine/2023-08-09/suspected-fentanyl-caused-overdose-deaths-alarm-eugene-officials
Oregon's overdose rate is bad and has been increasing, but this is extreme. Our state is struggling to provide desperately needed drug abuse treatment. 