10 heroin overdoses in 24 hours in Miami County

Heroin is seen at the bottom of a test tube at the Montgomery County Crime Lab. STAFF PHOTO / CHRIS STEWART(Staff Writer)

Heroin is seen at the bottom of a test tube at the Montgomery County Crime Lab. STAFF PHOTO / CHRIS STEWART(Staff Writer)

A Miami County hospital reported 10 drug overdoses in 24 hours, seven more than usual.

The Ohio Department of Health alerted the Miami County Public Health to the significant increase between 9 a.m. Thursday, April 20 and 9 a.m. Friday, April 21.

>>Dayton #1 for drug overdoses 

The ODH is asking anyone who is aware of, or has contact with a person with an opiate or heroin addiction, to maintain access to Naxolene (Narcan) in case of overdose. It is available without a prescription at most local pharmacies.

They also advise calling 9-1-1 immediately.

>>2016 deadliest year for overdose, fentanyl deaths 

Miami County and the surrounding area have experienced a rapid increase in heroin and opioid overdoses in the last few years. The overdose epidemic is in part due to Fentanyl, which is much 30 to 50 times more powerful than heroin and is mixed with heroin to make supplies more profitable, according to the ODH. The addition of even a small amount of fentanyl to a batch of heroin increases the deadliness significantly.

>>Local Spirit Airlines pilot's suspected overdose death draws national attention 

For more information on addiction treatment contact:

Tri-County Baard of Recovery and Mental Health Services at 1-800-351-7347 or text 4HOPE to 741-741.

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