Fentanyl Overdoses on the Rise in District II Public Health

District II Public Health is reporting a rise in the number of fentanyl-related deaths in the 13-county area.

Spokeswoman Natasha Young tells WLHR News that the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) Drug Surveillance Unit has received increased reports of overdoses due to drugs mixed with fentanyl, particularly cocaine, methamphetamine, and counterfeit pills.

Overdoses have been reported in several areas of the state over the past month, including Franklin County, which is listed by the DPH as a “cluster” area for fentanyl-related overdoses.

DPH reports that between February and mid-March of this year at least 66 emergency department visits involved the use of illegal drugs likely laced with fentanyl.

In Franklin County at least one person in the 50-55 age group reportedly overdosed on a fentanyl-laced drug.

Fentanyl-related overdose deaths have been increasing in Georgia since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to DPH.

Between May 1, 2020, and April 30, 2021, fentanyl-involved overdose deaths increased 106.2% compared to the same time period the previous year.

Fentanyl is a deadly substance that can be made illegally and found in all types of street drugs, not just opioids.

It is important to know that it is possible to have an opioid overdose from a stimulant (e.g., cocaine) that is laced with fentanyl.

If you suspect a drug overdose, call 911 immediately, provide the location of the overdose and stay with the individual until help arrives. Georgia has a medical amnesty law that protects individuals who may be experiencing an overdose and callers seeking medical attention for drug overdoses.