August is Overdose Awareness Month. This month is dedicated to spreading awareness, promoting overdose prevention, and remembering individuals and families impacted by addiction. Addiction is a disease, not a choice. Addiction and overdoses impact many throughout our community. We recognize that the numbers and data we share represent real people who lived full lives and were loved. This Overdose Awareness Month, we remember and honor those that have died from an overdose, and acknowledge the grief of their families and friends.

Overdose Fatalities in Medina County

In Medina County, 24 people lost their lives to a drug overdose in 2022. The average age was 40 years old, with 58% being male and 42% being female.  While the total number of overdose deaths was down in 2022 compared to previous years, efforts are still being made to increase awareness even more, expand access to recovery support, and to further prevent overdoses.

 Impact of Fentanyl

71% of all drug overdoses in 2022 in Medina County involved fentanyl. Even small doses can lead to an overdose of this synthetically made opioid. Opioid drugs, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, methadone, and heroin can be mixed with illegally made fentanyl causing many people to not even know they are taking it, leading to overdoses.

What is Being Done?

  • Overdose Fatality Review: To better understand overdose-related fatalities, Medina County partner agencies meet quarterly to conduct an Overdose Fatality Review (OFR). This OFR team is made of a variety of professionals including public health, law enforcement, health care, behavioral health, and social services. These meetings help community partners to better understand what is causing overdoses and to identify potential prevention opportunities.
  • Naloxone: Naloxone is a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. It does so by temporarily reversing the effects of opioids, restores breathing, and can prevent an overdose death. You can get a naloxone kit for free from the Medina County Health Department by visiting our Naloxone Training webpage.
  • Recovery and Support: Medina County contains a variety of resources for both those struggling with addiction, or those who have loved ones struggling. There is a 24/7 Crisis and Behavioral Health Helpline at 330-725-9195 through Alternative Paths. Hope Recovery Community has locations in Medina, Brunswick, and Wadsworth offering many different resources to those battling addiction. There are many other vital support networks in Medina County. Additionally, more information can be found by contacting the Medina County ADAMH Board.

If you think someone is experiencing an overdose, call 911 immediately and administer naloxone, if available. Try to keep the person awake and breathing. Lay the person on their side to prevent choking and stay with the person until emergency assistance arrives. Together we can continue to decrease deaths caused by overdoses.