LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — A spike in suspected nonfatal drug overdoses is being seen across Lexington. The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department reports that 24 overdoses have been reported since Sept. 17.
"This is an important time to carry naloxone, used to reverse opioid overdoses, especially if you or someone you know has substance use disorder," wrote the department on Facebook. "Fentanyl has been found in all types of regulated drugs, so naloxone may help regardless of the drug taken."
The spike comes as Kentucky saw a drastic drop in overdose deaths in 2023, a decrease of 9.8% from 2022.
Community leaders and harm reduction advocates feel more still needs to be done.
"We know that fentanyl has plagued our state and community for a while now; it's mixed into just about all of our drug supply," said John Bowman, Kentucky senior campaign organizer for Dream.org.
The health department's harm reduction team credits the surge to a likely tainted drug supply.
"We know that fentanyl has plagued our state and community for a while now, it's mixed into just about all of our drug supply," said John Moses, the team leader.
The department's harm reduction program is available throughout the week, and provides a naloxone kit to anyone in need of it.
LFCHD encourages the public to avoid using drugs alone and visiting https://findhelpnowky.org/ky or calling 1-833-859-4357 (1-800-854-6813 after business hours) when they or someone they know needs help with a substance use disorder.
Checking in on family members, friends, and relatives and calling 911 if an overdose is suspected is also encouraged.
