Lincoln Police say several people were hospitalized after overdosing over the weekend. LPD Captain Max Hubka says officers were called to the 500 block of North 25th Street around 9:30 Sunday morning on a report of four adults who were showing signs of opiate overdoses.
He says two males had less severe symptoms but two females were in bad shape. “One female is currently in critical and life threatening condition,” Hubka says. “The other female is no longer in life threatening condition, however she was pregnant and has lost the baby as the result of the overdose.”
Hubka says another overdose was reported Sunday night. An LPD sergeant on patrol saw a 28 year old man slumped over on a sidewalk near 27th and P. He says the man was not breathing and did not have a pulse. The officer administered NARCAN and performed CPR until LFR arrived. The man is hospitalized in critical condition.
Overdose cases have been skyrocketing in Lincoln. In 2020, Lincoln experienced 76% more overdoses than the average of the previous 5 years. LPD has had 46 overdoses in the past month and 133 total victims of overdose in 2021. Approximately 2/3 of them have required Narcan, sometimes multiple doses, in addition to CPR and other life saving measures.
Tragically, LPD says some of victims have died. “We have seen cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and counterfeit Oxycodone pills that all contain fentanyl,” Officer Erin Spilker says. “Cocaine containing fentanyl is relatively new to Lincoln and is extremely dangerous. One can never assume that any type of illegal drug does not contain fentanyl, and as little as the size of one grain of salt can cause an overdose.”
LPD says resources are available for loved ones struggling with addiction. Visit the Health Department’s Overdose Prevention page for more information. https://www.lincoln.ne.gov/City/Departments/Health-Department/Health-Promotion-Outreach/OD
Anyone with information regarding individuals distributing illegal drugs, especially drugs that have led to overdoses, is encouraged to contact the Lincoln Police Department at 402-441-6000, the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force at 402-441-8181, or Crime Stoppers at 402-475-3600.