YORK COUNTY CORONER YORK COUNTY ANNEX CLAUDE W. STABLEY, II
PAMELA L. GAY
RN BSN D-ABMDI
RN BS D-ABMDI CFN®
York County Coroner
Chief Deputy Coroner
STEPHANIE L. WILT
TIMOTHY J. BUPP
Administrative Assistant
“A Passion for People”
Solicitor
PRESS RELEASE – March 4, 2018 WARNING -- Increase Seen in Suspected Heroin/Fentanyl-Related Overdose Deaths in Last Two Weeks The York County Coroner’s Office has seen a spike in drug overdose deaths during the last two weeks, with 12 suspected heroin/fentanyl overdose deaths in just 9 days. During those 9 days, there were three suspected heroin/fentanyl overdose deaths in each of two 24 hr periods – 6 deaths in two days. During increased frequency of overdose deaths, rumors circulate that there may be a “bad batch”. Please remember, as frequently emphasized by this office and the York Opioid Collaborative during their education efforts in our community, there is absolutely NO GOOD BATCH of heroin/fentanyl – ANY AMOUNT, NO MATTER HOW LARGE OR SMALL, CAN AND WILL KILL THE USER, NO MATTER THE SUPPOSED TOLERANCE OF THE USER. EVEN COCAINE USERS SHOULD BE AWARE THAT HEROIN/FENTANYL HAS BEEN FOUND IN THE TOXICOLOGIES OF KNOWN COCAINE USERS WHO HAVE DIED IN OUR AREA. According to some in the Recovery Community, it is a known fact that when a user hears there could be an especially potent batch of dope circulating or when there is an increased number in overdoses and or deaths, some users are drawn to that area or that dealer, seeking out the dope as they believe it will give them a stronger “high”. UNFORTUNATELY, THAT ACTION WILL OFTEN RESULT IN THE DEATH OF THOSE SEEKING THAT DOPE OR DEALER. Since the Opioid Epidemic began in 2014 in our community, we have often had periods when our heroin/fentanyl-related overdose deaths have increased for a period of time. In 2016, there was an increase during the months of February, July and October alone, each month with a total of 14 deaths related to heroin/fentanyl. And in November 2017, there was a period of 16 deaths in 3 weeks. Those most vulnerable to overdose are those who have been abstinent (off drugs) for a period of time, those just out of prison, just out of rehab or living in a recovery house.
118 PLEASANT ACRES ROAD • YORK, PENNSYLVANIA 17402 Phone 717-840-7617 • Fax 717-840-7618 www.yorkcountyPA.gov
YORK COUNTY CORONER YORK COUNTY ANNEX CLAUDE W. STABLEY, II
PAMELA L. GAY
RN BSN D-ABMDI
RN BS D-ABMDI CFN®
York County Coroner
Chief Deputy Coroner
STEPHANIE L. WILT
TIMOTHY J. BUPP
Administrative Assistant
“A Passion for People”
Solicitor
We are putting out this warning with the hope that it will save lives, and as a reminder to the public and those who may have loved ones who are users that they should equip themselves with naloxone, as it can help save lives. Use of other substances such as other legal prescription drugs -- and even alcohol – around someone in recovery -- can often be a trigger for that individual, even after months or years of sobriety. We also ask that if you are friends or family members of a known user or of a former user who is in recovery, stay engaged and as close to them as possible during this particularly vulnerable time for them. If you suspect that your loved one is using and may be looking for help, call York Adams Drug and Alcohol Commission at 1-866-769-7822 or call Not One More at 717-424-8890 or 717-850-6350 for further assistance and family support. ###
118 PLEASANT ACRES ROAD • YORK, PENNSYLVANIA 17402 Phone 717-840-7617 • Fax 717-840-7618 www.yorkcountyPA.gov
