JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. – Jackson County Public Health is issuing an overdose alert related to opioids, including fentanyl.
This is in response to an increase in suspect fatal overdoses, emergency department visits, and law enforcement responses between November 12 – 18.
Public health says fentanyl started to become more common in Jackson County in 2018. In early 2021, fentanyl became the predominant opioid sold as oxycontin or in a powder form. Fentanyl can also be mixed with other drugs, such as heroin.
Officials are encouraging the community to be aware of this increase in overdoses. They say there is no safe way to use opioids, but there are steps that can be taken to help reduce overdose risk:
- Abstain from drug use
- Call 911 when someone is overdosing, even if naloxone is used
- Be aware of your opioid tolerance
- Use drug testing strips
- Have an overdose plan
- Be prepared and have naloxone on hand.
© 2024 KOBI-TV NBC5. All rights reserved unless otherwise stated.
