Heroin and fentanyl-related deaths could hit an all time high in Cuyahoga County this year.
According to the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office, beginning on March 9, the average number of deaths increased to two people per day.
March also set a record for fentanyl-related deaths, with 34 in one month.
In April, there were 33 deaths in the county. Fifteen of those were Cleveland residents. Eighteen were suburban residents.
“It has been a very challenging year thus far and we continue to see the number of deaths from heroin and fentanyl rising at a significant rate. Our county response remains proactive with our local partners collaborating to address this emergency,” said Dr. Thomas Gilson. “Fentanyl is a very dangerous drug and has greatly complicated the crisis and heightened the urgency of our efforts.”
According to Gilson, if overdoses continue at this rate. the county could see over 400 heroin and fentanyl-related deaths in 2016.
