Coroner calls 2017 heroin overdose numbers scary, alarming, discouraging
It was another record-breaking year for Hamilton County, but not the kind that generates community pride.
Hamilton County Coroner Dr. Lakshmi Sammarco called the 2017 heroin overdose numbers "scary, alarming and discouraging."
There were 529 overdose deaths in Hamilton County last year.
Of that number, 373 involved opiates.
The overdose death total topped the year before by well over 100.
Use of heroin, fentanyl, carfentanyl and cocaine were all up.
So was the use of the deadly mix-and-match street cocktail as well as the number of drug-related items and drugs turned in to the narcotics section.
Drug investigators received 3,886 opiates and more than 30,000 items that were turned in -- a record amount.
It's staggering to realize the numbers could have been even worse.
"Obviously, our 529 overdose deaths is a huge number," said Sammarco. "But there's no doubt that would have been double or triple if we didn't have Narcan out there in the hands of all our law enforcement (officers) and first responders."
On Monday, Hamilton County announced its expanded Quick Response Team effort would start on April 3.
Bobby Turner will be a part of it. He is a former heroin addict in recovery.
"I realized that I have a disease that I have to treat on a daily basis, that it doesn't go away and I have to continuously treat my disease," said Turner.
Those on the front line of the fight said their concerted efforts are stronger than ever.
Yet, the overdose numbers are higher than ever.
"What we need is state resources and federal resources," said Newtown Police Chief Tom Synan. "And that's one of the reasons I've been so vocal. It's not a lack of effort. It's not a lack of people doing stuff."
We're told Hamilton County is a drug market magnet.
Users come here from elsewhere to buy and shoot up right away.
So, many drug users who are from Lexington, Louisville, Butler County and other areas die in Hamilton County.
Timothy Reagan, of the Drug Enforcement Administration, said "The amount of false heroin or bulk fentanyl that we seized this past year, I don't have the percentage but it's through the roof. It's at least 50 percent.
"Here's another sobering statistic: Fentanyl overdoses are 10 times what they were just three years ago.
"We can't do this alone," said Sammarco. "Everybody here is busting their butt."
She called upon the community at large to be on watch and to alert authorities about drug dealers and drug users.
She and the task force members said more addicts must get into treatment programs, get clean and avoid the criminal justice cycle.
They want to avoid having 2018 become another record-breaking year.