PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — State health officials issued a warning on Thursday after nearly two dozen reports of suspected overdoses in Providence in recent days.

The R.I. Department of Health issued what’s called an overdose spike alert due to increased non-fatal opioid overdose activity in Providence from July 18 to July 24.

According to the alert, RIDOH received 22 reports of individuals receiving emergency medical care for suspected overdoses. The overdose threshold for this region is 21.

Providence’s police and fire departments have not confirmed any new substances have been circulating to contribute to the spike in overdoses, according to city spokesperson Josh Estrella.

Additionally, the Health Department said Providence has continued to experience a fatal overdose burden up to two times greater than the statewide average.

Earlier this month, state health officials announced Rhode Island saw a 7.3% decline in overdose deaths in 2023. Year-end fatal overdose data showed 404 Rhode Islanders died from an accidental overdose last year, compared to 436 in 2022.

State health data showed that 85% of last year’s overdoses involved any opioid, while 78% involved fentanyl specifically.

RIDOH said there are several ways to stay informed and help reduce overdose deaths, including signing up for alerts , learning the signs of an overdose , ordering free naloxone and fentanyl test strips , and learning about safer drug use resources .

Alexandra Leslie ( aleslie@wpri.com ) is a Target 12 investigative reporter covering Providence and more for 12 News. Connect with her on Twitter and on Facebook .

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