After record-setting year, Delaware overdose deaths spike in May

42 individuals died in Delaware on account of a drug overdose in Might, probably the most ever in a single month.

The state Division of Forensic Science says the 42 deaths prime Delaware’s earlier month-to-month excessive of 39 deaths set in August 2018 and tied in Might 2020.

Final month, 25 OD deaths occurred in New Citadel County, 12 in Sussex, and 5 in Kent.

State well being officers consider the overwhelming majority of these deaths had been associated to fentanyl, the extremely highly effective artificial ache reliever that’s been linked to nearly all of OD deaths lately.

“This elevated lack of life is heartbreaking,” mentioned Dr. Karyl Rattay who leads the state Division of Public Well being. “It will be important for the general public to know that fentanyl is being added to a number of forms of illicit substances and is seen extra generally with amphetamines like cocaine.”

Delaware set a grim document in 2021 for many OD deaths in a 12 months, with 515. Greater than 82% of these ODs concerned fentanyl. Rattay urged residents to be ready to assist their family members ought to they undergo an overdose with the reversal medicine naloxone, also called Narcan.

“We all know that Narcan can and does save lives, so we urge anybody who’s actively utilizing any illicit substances, in addition to household and buddies, to have Narcan readily available and be educated on the right way to use the medicine,” Rattay mentioned.

She pointed to the state’s Hope Line which is out there 24/7 to direct callers to assets and knowledge that might assist. That features help from clinicians and peer specialists, in addition to disaster help.

The Hope Line may be reached at 1-833-9-HOPE-DE, or by texting DEHOPE to 55753. Assist can also be accessible on-line at HelpIsHereDE.com.