Overdose spike alert issued for Oneida County; heroin, meth, fentanyl and other possible substances suspected

UTICA & ROME- An overdose spike alert has been issued by Oneida County’s Overdose Response Team.

The notice blossoms in the wake of nine confirmed overdoses, including one which was fatal, with all occurring over the weekend in the cities of Utica and Rome, NY.

“Naloxone was administered by bystanders and first responders in all of the non-fatal incidents, which reversed the effects of the overdoses,” county officials said in a released statement.

Prior to this latest spike alert, authorities say there were five other confirmed overdoses in the same regions during the first part of the month.

With some substances still yet to be identified, investigators say heroin, meth and fentanyl are all believed to be factors in this cluster of overdoses.

The overdose response team says treatment and recovery services can be reached by dialing 2-1-1. 

Free Narcan-by-Mail is available through the Oneida County Health Department (click on link that takes you to ocopioidtaskforce.org).

Free, anonymous 24/7 access to naloxone, fentanyl test strips and other wellness supplies are also available at the new Public Health Kiosk located at the Giotto Center at 1002 Oswego Street in Utica.

The Never Use Alone Hotline can be reached at 1-800-484-3731.

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