CLEVELAND – Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner Dr. Thomas Gilson, today issued a public health alert, stating that Cuyahoga County suffered at least 5 suspected overdose deaths within a 12-hour-period on June 1, 2023.  

“Drug overdose continues to be a problem in our community with periodic clusters of deaths like yesterday,” Dr. Gilson warned. “Individuals should avoid using illicit drugs or use a harm reduction plan in the event they are unable to stop using. Treatment can help with long-term sobriety.” 

Consider developing a personal harm reduction plan if you or anyone that you know is actively using or recovering from opioid addiction. Harm reduction plans can include the following: 

• Have Naloxone and fentanyl test strips ready. Naloxone and fentanyl test strips will work with most fentanyl analogues. 
• Don’t use drugs alone. There is a much higher risk of fatally overdosing if another person is not monitoring.  
• Sit upright. Sitting upright can reduce the risk of slumping forward in an overdose – potentially causing airway obstruction. 
• Call 911 (Good Samaritan). The Good Samaritan Law provides immunity for a minor drug possession or drug paraphernalia offense for the person who overdosed and the person who called 911 to seek help. 
• Seek Treatment. As with most chronic diseases, addiction is treatable. While treatment may vary upon an individual’s needs, recovery is possible. 

For a list of community resources, please visit: 

• https://www.testyourdrugscc.com 
• https://www.metrohealth.org/office-of-opioid-safety/project-dawn 

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