Contacts: Christopher Harris: (216) 443-7157, cbharris@cuyahogacounty.us 


4 deaths in the last 24 hours

CLEVELAND – From Thursday August 2nd through Monday August 6th Cuyahoga County has suffered at least 14 fatal drug overdoses. No further details are currently available, and cases are still under investigation and testing.

“This is a concerning trend. The county is working with our local and federal partners to analyze it and identify its source,” said Dr. Thomas Gilson, Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner. “We are issuing this alert to make the public aware and advise caution, as well as encourage addicted individuals to seek help.”

• 50% of the victims are 60 years of age or older. This is a change from the largest population of overdose victims, which tend to be between the ages of 45-55 years of age.
• The death location is split 50/50 between victims that died on the east side / west side, which indicates this is not affecting a centralized location.
• 2018 drug overdose deaths (all drugs) are projected to match the 2017 drug overdose death total (727).

Death Date Month	Death Date Day	Death Date Year	Gender	Age	Race	Death Location (City)
08	02	2018	Male	60 years	White	Lakewood
08	02	2018	Male	61 years	White	Euclid
08	03	2018	Male	27 years	White (Hispanic)	Cleveland
08	02	2018	Female	49 years	White	Cleveland
08	03	2018	Male	38 years	White	Cleveland
08	04	2018	Female	27 years	White	Euclid
08	04	2018	Male	64 years	Black	Euclid
08	04	2018	Male	66 years	Black	Cleveland
08	05	2018	Male	64 years	White	Cleveland
08	05	2018	Female	30 years	White	Garfield Heights
08	06	2018	Male	65 years	Black	Cleveland
08	06	2018	Male	72 years	Black	Cleveland
08	06	2018	Female	55 years	White	Cleveland
08	06	2018	Male	52 years	White	Cleveland

If you or anyone that you know is actively using or recovering from an opioid addiction, contact Project DAWN for information at 216-778-5677. Eligible program participants, are given FREE Naloxone kits – the opioid reversing antidote.

Additionally, the Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board of Cuyahoga County provides a 24-hour crisis hotline at 216-623-6888.