Between June 2, 2024, and August 13, 2024, five counties have experienced spikes in overdoses, including:
8 spikes in Boone County,
1 spike in Bullitt County,
2 spikes in Fayette County,
1 spike in Jessamine County, and
1 spike in Nelson County.
Since August 14, 2024, six counties have experienced a recent spike in overdoses, including:
1 spike in Boone County,
1 spike in Boyd County,
1 spike in Campbell County,
1 spike in Daviess County,
2 spikes in Fayette County, and
1 spike in Madison County
ODMAP is used to monitor suspected drug overdose encounters in emergency medical services (EMS) data to identify possible clusters of drug overdoses in Kentucky. Drug overdose alerts are generated when a county shows an unusual increase in nonfatal drug overdose-related EMS encounters in a 24-hour period.
According to the National Emergency Medical Services Information System, Hamilton County, Ohio, has experienced overdoses much higher than average from July 1 – July 28, 2024, being the most recent data available. This statewide alert was distributed by the Kentucky Department for Public Health to create awareness of increased overdose spikes in multiple counties throughout Kentucky. As a result, people who use drugs should take caution to protect themselves.
What You Can Do:
• Always keep naloxone on hand and administer it if you suspect an overdose. Fentanyl has been found in all types of unregulated drugs, so naloxone may help regardless of the drug taken.
o Visit your Local Health Department to obtain naloxone and other harm reduction supplies. If you do not know where the closest Syringe Services Program (SSP) is, visit https://www.chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/dehp/hab/Pages/kyseps.aspx (or call: (502) 564-6539) for a current list of Kentucky SSPs and their hours of operation.
o To locate naloxone distribution sites and/or by mail for those without local access, visit: https://findnaloxonenowky.org
• Don’t use drugs alone.
• If you or someone you know needs help with Substance Use Disorder, visit https://findhelpnowky.org/ky to search for available treatment and recovery options (or call 1-833-859-4357 during business hours, or 1-800-854-6813 after business hours).
• Check in on friends, family members, neighbors and others to share this information.
• Call 911 if you suspect an overdose.
