Two people in Ohio die from overdoses due to potential bad batch of illicit drugs in the community

Two people are dead after an overdose in the last 48 hours.

The Jefferson County General Health District (JCGHD) said they received reports of the fatal overdoses in downtown Steubenville.

Both overdoses occurred in Jefferson Metropolitan Housing Authority units: one each in the South End and North End. Toxicology reports are not available at this time.

The names of those that died are not available at this time.

“While these two fatal overdoses are a sign of a potentially bad batch of illicit drugs in the community, there have been no other reports of overdose spikes in Jefferson County,” JCGHD said.

JCGHD says these are the first fatal overdoses in Jefferson County since April 30,2024. According to the most recent data, Jefferson County has 11 fatal overdoses year to date for 2024. Trends for 2024 are similar to 2023 data.

“As the Fourth of July holiday week is upon us, it is an important time to remind residents of the
risks of drug and alcohol abuse. If you or someone you know struggles with opioid addiction,
always carry naloxone (narcan). Furthermore, even though the we never encourages drug
use of any kind, if you cannot overcome the urge to use illicit drugs, never use alone,” JCGHD says.

Naloxone is available at the JCGHD and the Family Recovery Center. There are also Naloxboxes
located at the Family Recovery Center and the RT 7 rest area in Irondale.

If you are in need of
substance abuse support, call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. In the event of an immediate
medical emergency, call 911.

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