CLEVELAND, Ohio — Eight people fatally overdosed on suspected opioids over Memorial Day weekend, according to the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Last week, the medical examiner’s office issued a Public Health Warning after seven people overdosed in two days.
The recent round of Memorial Day weekend overdose deaths brings the total dead to at least 18 since May 20, officials said.
RELATED: Public Health Warning issued after 7 people fatally overdose in Cuyahoga County in two days
“I’m deeply concerned about the number of overdose fatalities we’ve seen within the past week. Additionally, we are seeing a high percentage of African American victims — 50 percent.” said Dr. Thomas Gilson. “While we are still gathering information, early indications are that many of the fatalities are a result of fentanyl/crack cocaine. We are coordinating efforts with other major metropolitan areas within Ohio to see if they are experiencing the same.”
Opioid addiction recovery information and services can be obtained by calling Project DAWN at 216-778-5677. You can also contact the Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board of Cuyahoga County’s 24-hour crisis hotline at 216-623-6888.
Free fentanyl test strips are available at Circle Health Services on Euclid Avenue and Care Alliance Clinic on Central Avenue.
