Staff Reports
The suspected overdose deaths of two individuals in their 30s this week in Bartholomew County has prompted local officials to warn that lethal amounts of fentanyl are being found in toxicology results for some victims.
The Alliance for Substance Abuse Progress (ASAP), Columbus Police Department, Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department, and Columbus Mayor Jim Lienhoop issued a joint warning Wednesday to the citizens of Bartholomew County due to concerns about the recent suspected overdose deaths.
During the first four months of 2021, police and deputies have responded to more drug overdoses and “suspected” overdoses than during this same time period in previous years, according to the release.
“With overdose numbers rising, we feel the public should exercise extreme caution when it comes to substances and carry ‘Narcan’ as a lifesaving precaution,” said Doug Leonard, executive director of ASAP.
Naloxone, which is sold under the trademark Narcan, is an opioid overdose reversal drug, and it is available with no questions asked at the ASAP Hub, at the Doug Otto United Way Center, 1531 13th St., officials there said.
The Bartholomew County Coroner’s office said there have been 13 overdose death cases investigated so far in 2021, with three of those listed as “suspected” cases awaiting autopsy and toxicology results. Total overdose cases in 2020 for the same time period was 17, according to coroner’s office records.
Coroner Clayton Nolting said the big concern right now is the amount of fentanyl being seen in the overdose cases.
“The average fatal doses are in much higher concentrations in these overdoses,” Nolting said.
Toxicology results are showing fentanyl in methamphetamine overdoses, he said, adding that generally the coroner’s office usually sees more than one drug involved in overdoses, including fentanyl in methamphetamine and drugs known as benzodiazepines (tranquilizers).
“The big takeaway from this is that the amount of fentanyl we are seeing is much higher than we have seen before,” Nolting said. “We are seeing an overall drastic increase.”
“Pure fentanyl is being purchased in lieu of other drugs like heroin, as well as being added to other substances,” Bartholomew County Sheriff Matt Myers said. “Each and every time fentanyl is used, whether intentional or unintentional, a life is at risk.”
“Fentanyl is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine and 25 to 50 times more potent than heroin,” Columbus Police Chief Mike Richardson said. “An additional risk is that some individuals may not realize that fentanyl has been cut into the drug they are taking.”
“There is nothing more important than the safety of our citizens,” Lienhoop said. “We want you to take great caution and to know that ASAP is there to help if you are ready to make a change.”
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”About ASAP” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
The Alliance for Substance Abuse Progress (ASAP) leads the effort in Bartholomew County to identify and establish system-wide solutions to substance misuse and substance use disorders. It is a partner in advocacy, education and support for the health of our community and every person in it.
To learn more, visit https://www.asapbc.org/.
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