Just two and a half weeks into 2024, Jefferson County is already seeing more suspected drug overdose deaths than days of the year.
As of January 18, there were 19 suspected overdose deaths, according to the Jefferson County Coroner/Medical Examiner's Office.
Each day, Coroner Bill Yates updates the public with the number of confirmed and suspected drug overdose deaths.
In 2023, there were 461 confirmed drug fatalities and still 29 suspected. That number surpassed the 2022 number of 448 drug fatalities.
No cases in 2024 have been confirmed, pending toxicology reports.
Fentanyl has been a key player in drug overdose deaths across the state, but Yates said it is often mixed with other substances. In fact, he said the user sometimes doesn't realize they are taking a pill that has been laced with fentanyl.
Anyone in Alabama can receive a free Narcan kit by completing an online training video. Narcan is an opioid-reversal medication that has helped save the lives of those suffering from an overdose.
The Jefferson County Coroner/Medical Examiner's Office has an interactive statistical data report online that is updated daily.
View the report here.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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