Public Health Campaign Aims to Raise Awareness of Cocaine-Involved Overdoses

CUYAHOGA COUNTY – Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner Dr. Thomas P. Gilson announced the launch of signsofOD.org, a campaign aimed at raising public awareness of recent changes in the overdose crisis. The campaign is focused on the following:

• Decreases in fentanyl-involved overdose deaths
• Cocaine is now the leading drug in overdose deaths
• Identifying the signs and symptoms of a cocaine-involved overdose

“The Signs of OD campaign is designed to address a problem we've seen in Cuyahoga County, namely, individuals who use drugs alone,” said Dr. Gilson. “We want to get the word out about both the dangers of drug use and knowing when to seek help. While a buddy system can be beneficial, it’s most important to meet people where they are.”

Cocaine and Fentanyl Overdose Deaths in Cuyahoga County, 2023 to 2025

Overdose deaths continue to decline in Cuyahoga County, with fentanyl-involved deaths seeing the most significant decrease. Due to this drop, cocaine is now the leading drug in overdose deaths. However, like fentanyl-involved deaths, cocaine-involved deaths continue to decline.

“Cuyahoga County has experienced a 70% reduction in fentanyl-involved overdose deaths over the past two years. While this is significant progress, cocaine-involved overdoses have now become the leading contributor to drug overdose deaths, highlighting the evolving nature of the overdose crisis,” said Manreet Bhullar, Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office Senior Epidemiologist.

For more information on the signs of a cocaine overdose and/or harm reduction resources, please visit signsofOD.org.