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Medical Examiner: 19 Overdose Deaths in the Past Week
Contacts:
Christopher Harris, (216) 443-7157; cbharris@cuyahogacounty.us
Includes 11 Deaths Over the Holiday Weekend
CLEVELAND – Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner Dr. Thomas Gilson, today issued a public health alert, stating that Cuyahoga County has suffered at least 19 suspected overdose deaths in the past week. Additionally, 11 of these deaths occurred over the holiday weekend. Toxicology testing has not yet confirmed which drug(s) have caused this recent increase. At our current overdose mortality rate, we estimate we will suffer at least 600 drug-related deaths this year.
“It is regrettable to see a spike in drug overdose deaths with everything else that is going on,” said Dr. Gilson. “Naloxone kits and fentanyl test strips can help prevent overdoses, though our hope is for our addicted neighbors to find their way into recovery.”
If you or anyone that you know is actively using or recovering from 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.
Christopher Harris, (216) 443-7157; cbharris@cuyahogacounty.us
Includes 11 Deaths Over the Holiday Weekend
CLEVELAND – Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner Dr. Thomas Gilson, today issued a public health alert, stating that Cuyahoga County has suffered at least 19 suspected overdose deaths in the past week. Additionally, 11 of these deaths occurred over the holiday weekend. Toxicology testing has not yet confirmed which drug(s) have caused this recent increase. At our current overdose mortality rate, we estimate we will suffer at least 600 drug-related deaths this year.
“It is regrettable to see a spike in drug overdose deaths with everything else that is going on,” said Dr. Gilson. “Naloxone kits and fentanyl test strips can help prevent overdoses, though our hope is for our addicted neighbors to find their way into recovery.”
| Case | City | Death Date Month | Death Date Day | Death Date Year | Race | Hispanic | Gender | Age |
| IN2020-01801 | Cleveland | 10 | 06 | 2020 | White | No | Female | 32 years |
| IN2020-01802 | Northfield | 10 | 06 | 2020 | White | No | Female | 52 years |
| IN2020-01806 | Lakewood | 10 | 06 | 2020 | White | No | Male | 26 years |
| IN2020-01807 | Cleveland | 10 | 06 | 2020 | Black | No | Male | 41 years |
| IN2020-01811 | Cleveland | 10 | 07 | 2020 | White | No | Male | 70 years |
| IN2020-01812 | Unknown | 10 | 06 | 2020 | White | No | Male | 59 years |
| IN2020-01820 | Cleveland | 10 | 08 | 2020 | White | No | Male | 45 years |
| IN2020-01823 | Parkersburg | 10 | 08 | 2020 | White | No | Male | 56 years |
| IN2020-01826 | Cleveland | 10 | 09 | 2020 | White | No | Male | 56 years |
| IN2020-01828 | Cleveland | 10 | 09 | 2020 | Black | No | Male | 30 years |
| IN2020-01831 | Maple Heights | 10 | 09 | 2020 | Black | No | Female | 49 years |
| IN2020-01836 | Garfield Heights | 10 | 10 | 2020 | White | No | Female | 42 years |
| IN2020-01838 | Unknown | 10 | 10 | 2020 | Black | No | Female | 29 years |
| IN2020-01843 | Cleveland | 10 | 10 | 2020 | Black | No | Male | 58 years |
| IN2020-01844 | Cleveland | 10 | 10 | 2020 | White | No | Male | 37 years |
| IN2020-01849 | Cleveland Heights | 10 | 11 | 2020 | Black | No | Male | 34 years |
| IN2020-01851 | Cleveland | 10 | 11 | 2020 | Black | No | Female | 50 years |
| IN2020-01854 | Cleveland | 10 | 11 | 2020 | White | No | Female | 58 years |
| IN2020-01858 | Cleveland | 10 | 12 | 2020 | White | Yes | Male | 46 years |
FREE fentanyl test strips are available at the following locations:
- Circle Health Services (12201 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106 | 216.721.4010)
- Care Alliance Clinic (2916 Central Avenue Cleveland, OH 44115 | 216.535.9100)
- Care Alliance Clinic (1530 St. Clair Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44114 | 216.781.6724)
- MetroHealth – Mobile Unit (3370 W.25th Street, Cleveland, OH 44109)
If you or anyone that you know is actively using or recovering from 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.
