MANSFIELD — The METRICH Enforcement Unit (MEU) is reporting that unintentional overdoses and unintentional fatal overdoses are increasing in Richland County from the first quarter of 2018 compared to 2017.
As of April 5, 2018, there have been 95 unintentional overdoses and 20 fatal unintentional overdoses reported for Richland County, according to Lt. Joseph D. Petrycki in a METRICH press release.
“The METRICH Enforcement Unit wants to remind the public that help is available for those that are struggling with addiction,” the press release stated. “For those who have family members that are struggling with addiction, there are resources available in Richland County, Ohio. You can find the available resources by contacting 2-1-1 for updated information.”
Richland Public Health (RPH) also offers resources for citizens at risk of opioid overdose. RPH is a Project DAWN (Deaths Avoided with Naloxone) site, which provides education and Narcan kits to at-risk individuals and their loved ones. Citizens can call RPH at 419-774-4700 or visit www.richlandhealth.org/my-community/project-dawn for more information.
The METRICH Enforcement Unit continues to identify and target the source or sources that are bringing fentanyl into Richland County, Ohio.
The METRICH Enforcement Unit encourages citizens to continue to be proactive by reporting suspected drug activity. Citizens can call the METRICH Crime Tip Hotline at 419-52-CRIME (419-522-7463) or the Task Force line at 419-755-9728.
