We hear in the news that the overdose deaths attributed to the very dangerous drug fentanyl is killing thousands across the nation. So, how bad is this national tragedy here in Hamilton County?
The figures indicate that thus far in 2022 there has not been any dramatic increase in the number of local deaths due to this deadly drug, a drug that is usually mixed with cocaine or other dangerous drugs.
As of Oct. 17, there were 31 drug overdose deaths attributed to fentanyl compared with 36 fatalities in all of 2021. While this is not good, officials believe this year’s death toll by year’s end is not going to be much, if any, higher than last year.
This can be considered good news only when compared with the national trend of so many more such deaths each year. County Coroner John Chalfin says the fentanyl supply continues to come from China by way of Mexico where the drug is processed for shipment across the porous southern border to the U.S.
The reason Hamilton County appears to be holding the line on drug deaths is uncertain. But, Chief Deputy Coroner Jeff Jellison believes that first responders equipped with Narcan and the proximity of most residents to good hospitals is a major factor.
Narcan is a drug that counteracts the effects of certain other drugs including fentanyl if administered quickly after a person suffers first effects.
This year, the coroner’s office has been called to investigate a total of 524 cases as of last month. They included mostly cases of non-drug related deaths: suicides, homicides, traffic crashes, etc.
Columnist Fred Swift has worked in newspapers for decades. He has been sharing his opinions in the pages of The Reporter since it began.