The Jefferson County Coroner reported four drug fatalities over the weekend.
Between Friday and Sunday, the four people died from suspected heroin/fentanyl overdoses, Chief Deputy Coroner Bill Yates told 1819 News.
The decedents were 49 and 34, and two were 42. They died in Brighton, downtown Birmingham, Titusville and Eastlake.
While the number is more than the coroner has seen recently, he said the county is still experiencing a decrease in drug fatalities so far in 2024. As of August 12, he said there has been a 36% reduction in drug overdose fatalities compared to the same period in 2023.
"At this time last year we had investigated 322 drug fatalities compared to 204 this year," Yates said.
Yates said the use of Narcan, an opioid-reversal nose spray, could be the reason for fewer opioid-related deaths. Residents statewide can also receive free Narcan kits by watching online video training.
In June, Yates told 1819 News that the coroner's office's entire caseload across most types of deaths had decreased this year.
The Jefferson County Coroner/Medical Examiner's Office provides an interactive statistical data report online.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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