The Lexington Fayette-County Health Department says they’ve seen a spike in suspected non fatal drug overdoses from January 4 to January 7.
That’s according to the Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program, an overdose data collector. It recorded 29 suspected non fatal overdoses during that time frame. That’s up from 17 reports the previous week, a 70 percent increase.
Lexington-Fayette County Health Department representative Kevin Hall says they’re emphasizing overdose education as a response. That includes stressing the importance of keeping Naloxone close by in case a family member, friend or stranger overdoses.
“You don't know what they do in their private lives,” Hall said. “Just because you aren’t aware that they are using these drugs doesn't mean they're not. And then also you could find yourself in a situation where someone is on an overdose and you're able to react to potentially save their life.”
Hall also says anyone planning to do drugs should not take them alone, and to call 911 if an overdose is happening.
Naloxone is for sale at pharmacies and is available for free at the health department’s Dr. Rice C. Leach Community Room from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursdays, located at 650 Newtown Pike. A 15 minute class is also provided.
