MCDH: overdose deaths in ‘significant’ rise

MCHENRY COUNTY — The McHenry County Department of Health warned McHenry County residents of a “significant increase” in  overdoses and deaths likely caused by opioids.

According to a March 24 MCDH news release, fatal and nonfatal overdoses have remained at higher than normal levels since a March 13 alert from the McHenry County Substance Abuse Coalition.

The alert advised that local law enforcement had reported overdoses that required high quantities of naloxone, a drug that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose and an increase in probable opioid related deaths between March 5 and 14.

“The MCDH is committed to protecting the identity of people,” stating as the reason for declining to provide an exact number of suspected and confirmed fatal and nonfatal overdoses.

According to MCDH, most overdose deaths in McHenry County occur because of opioid and often are caused by fentanyl, a potent synthetic steroid, according to the McHenry County Substance Abuse Coalition.

MCDH stated that naloxone and fentanyl test strips, which can be used to detect fentanyl in all types of drugs, are available for free at the following locations:

The McHenry County Department of Health’s offices, at 100 N. Virginia St. in Crystal Lake and 2200 N. Seminary Ave. in Woodstock which are open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. No identifying information is needed.

Live4Lali offers supplies online or by calling or texting 224-297-4393.

Warp Corps offers supplies from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week, at 114 N. Benton St. in Woodstock or by calling 815-575-9358.

The Break in Crystal Lake offers supplies by calling 815-575-9358.

A Way Out can provide support and help finding treatment at 815-347-0385 or [email protected].