BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — The Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH) has issued a warning after reports of seven overdose-related deaths over a six-hour period on Monday.
According to the ECDOH, each scene is suspected to have a form of cocaine (crack or powder) present. Investigations and toxicology tests will confirm the drugs involved in the deaths.
In addition, the ECDOH said three of the deaths occurred in the City of Buffalo, three others in the Town of Tonawanda, and one in the City of Lackawanna. Six were male and one was female and their ages ranged from the early 40s to early 60s.
“The opioid-related death numbers our community is experiencing this year are staggering, and we need people who use drugs to hear this message loud and clear – we want you to stay alive. Our peers, public health educators, treatment agencies, medical community, law enforcement, families – we are all on the same page, shouting the message that the cocaine you take today can kill you today. There are measures you can take to reduce your risk of dying when using cocaine and other stimulants, and opioids, and we are here with support for people who will take that step and work with us.”
Since the start of the year, through June 13, the Erie County Medical Examiner’s Office reports 85 confirmed opioid-related deaths, 20 confirmed non-opioid (overdose) deaths, and 106 suspected opioid-related deaths.
The ECDOH said it offers harm reduction supplies and peer support and you call (716) 858-7695 for those resources. Other ways to reduce the risk of harm from drug use include:
- Carry Narcan, and know how and when to use it. Text (716) 225-5473 to have Narcan and fentanyl test strips mailed to you for free. Narcan is always available in the lobby of the Rath Building in Buffalo. MATTERS Network also has Narcan vending machines in Western New York.
- Never use alone. Have Narcan and a friend with you who is not using drugs, or contact a service like Never Use Alone.
- Test your drugs for fentanyl even if you think it is cocaine or another substance that is not an opioid. Free test strips available from the Erie County Department of Health. Call (716) 858-7695.
- Seek support. ECDOH has peer navigators and a family coordinator; call (716) 858-7695. The Buffalo & Erie County Addictions Hotline is available 24/7 with referrals for individuals and their families. Call (716) 831-7007.
- Seek treatment. Local hospital emergency departments can connect patients to immediate medication addiction treatment. Ask for MATTERS Network, a service that rapidly refers people with opioid use disorder or people who use opioids to treatment, peer support and medication. Patients can be seen at outpatient treatment agencies within 24 hours; call 800-622-4357 or visit any local emergency department. Virtual emergency department medication addiction treatment services are also available.
