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Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner issues public health alert after 12 people fatally overdose in 48 hours

Officials are currently conducting forensic testing to determine what drug or drugs is responsible for the recent spike.

CUYAHOGA COUNTY, Ohio — The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner has issued a public health alert related to an increase in fatal overdoses throughout the area. 

On Monday, the organization issued the alert citing twelve deaths in 48 hours as the cause for the alarm.

“This recent trend of clustered overdoses is alarming...It remains to be seen what the cause is, but the public should be aware that there is a serious threat to their lives if they are using street drugs right now in Cuyahoga County,” said Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner Dr. Thomas Gilson.

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Officials are currently conducting forensic testing to determine what drug or drugs are responsible for the recent spike.

At this rate, Cuyahoga County will see more than 700 overdose deaths this year, the Medical Examiner reports. 

If you or anyone that you know is actively using or recovering from opioid addiction, contact Project DAWN for information at 216-778-5677. Eligible program participants, are given free Naloxone kits – the opioid reversing antidote.

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*Editor's Note: The video in the player above is from a previous report.

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