Public health officials urging caution amid spike in overdose deaths in Kalamazoo area
Calhoun County law enforcement and public health officials are urging residents to exercise caution amid a sharp increase in drug overdoses and deaths in the Kalamazoo area.
More than a dozen non-fatal drug overdoses, and likely six drug-associated deaths, have occurred in Kalamazoo County in the past 24 hours, the Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services Department (HCS) reported in a Thursday evening release.
“This number represents a significant increase from our typical weekly average in Kalamazoo County of approximately 1.5 drug-related deaths,” Medical Examiner Dr. Joyce deJong said in the release. “We are working to rapidly identify the substances causing the deaths and are in close communication with health department officials and law enforcement to address this urgent issue and prevent any further loss of life.”
Initial clinical reports indicate there are likely multiple substances contributing to these overdoses. The substances may include cocaine, fentanyl or an unknown substance, officials said.
“Harm reduction precautions such as not using drugs when alone, administering naloxone when a suspected overdose is occurring, and calling 911 are important efforts at this time,” Kalamazoo County Medical Director Dr. William Nettleton said in the release.
If you, someone you know, or someone around you might be experiencing the negative effects of any drug, please call 911 immediately.
Contact reporter Greyson Steele at gsteele@battlecreekenquirer.com
This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: Health officials urging caution amid spike in overdose deaths in Kalamazoo area
