Fentanyl-related overdose deaths see sharp rise in Ohio

A new report released today by the Ohio Department of Health showed the number of unintentional drug overdose deaths in the state increased again in 2015, driven by a sharp rise in fentanyl-related deaths.

According to the state, the number of fentanyl-related deaths in Ohio has increased from 84 in 2013, to 503 in 2014 and rose to 1,155 in 2015.

In addition, the state said the number of prescription opiate overdose deaths have begun to level off as the state worked with physicians to curb the issue.

“Ohio was one of the first states to see the rise of fentanyl over the past couple of years, as the opiate epidemic continues to evolve to more powerful drugs,” said Dr. Mark Hurst, medical director of the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. “We knew when we started this battle five years ago that progress wouldn’t be easy, but we are well prepared to stay on the leading edge of fighting this epidemic thanks to the multi-faceted strategies we have put into place.”

Overall, in Ohio drug overdose deaths increased from 2,531 in 2014 to 3,050 in 2015, the state said in a release.

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic narcotic that is estimated to be 30 to 50 times more potent than heroin, and 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, according to state officials.