The Kentucky Department for Public Health continues to warn Kentuckians about the risks associated with heroin and other drugs.
The Department of Public Health scheduled an emergency call last week to prepare hospitals, health departments and emergency medical personnel after receiving reports of increased overdoses linked to heroin mixed with fentanyl and other dangerous substances. At that time, public health officials requested hospitals and providers report all overdoses, including non-fatal overdoses, to the Department of Public Health in order for the department to better understand the breadth of the problem.
Of that preliminary reporting, 15 overdoses, 12 of which were fatal, were reported to the Department of Public Health.
In addition to outreach to stakeholders and a statewide public health alert warning about the dangers of tainted drugs, the Department of Public Health activated the State Health Operations Center to respond to community needs regarding drug activity and overdose and collect voluntary reporting from hospitals.
Naloxone is available by prescription at many pharmacies around the state. Many emergency medical services also stock the medication as well emergency rooms. In addition, Good Samaritan provisions in Kentucky law prohibit prosecution of drug users who seek medical assistance for others who overdose.
The Department of Public Health continues to encourage providers to report all overdose activity. Reports can be made to the Kentucky Poison Control hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Reports will help support public health’s efforts as well as national surveillance.
The Department of Public Health also has several hotlines and resources in place to assist local providers. Assistance is available by calling the Department for Public Health at 1-888-9REPORT (973-7678) or Kentucky Emergency Management System at (502) 607-1638 or toll free (800) 255-2587.
If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected or is at risk of harm related to substance abuse, call 911 or 1-877-KYSAFE1 to report.
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