The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department on Thursday issued a Health Alert regarding a spike in accidental drug overdoses.
The Lincoln Police Department reports that it has responded to 50 overdose cases within the past 30 days. LPD investigations have learned that narcotics such as cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and counterfeit oxycodone pills have been found to contain the prescription pain killer fentanyl.
When mixed with an illegal drug, an amount of fentanyl as small as a grain of salt can cause an overdose. About half of the reported cases required officers to administer the life-saving drug Narcan, sometimes using multiple doses, in addition to CPR or other life-saving measures to revive the victims. Four of the people died.
LPD investigated multiple overdoses related to fentanyl mixed with cocaine in July, and at least 25 overdoses in the past three weeks have been caused by this potentially deadly combination. LPD reports that the overdose spike is a significant increase from previous years.
The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department is urging the public to be aware of the signs, symptoms, and treatments for overdose victims. During an overdose, breathing can be dangerously slowed or stopped, causing brain damage or death. Signs include:
- Small, constricted “pinpoint pupils”
- Falling asleep or loss of consciousness
- Slow, shallow breathing
- Choking or gurgling sounds
- Limp body
- Pale, blue, or cold skin
It may be hard to tell if a person is high or experiencing an overdose. If you aren’t sure, treat the situation like an overdose and follow these steps:
- Call 911 immediately.
- Administer Narcan, if available.
- Try to keep the person awake and breathing.
- Lay the person on their side to prevent choking.
- Stay with them until emergency workers arrive.
Local hotline numbers include:
- Lincoln Drug Crisis Hotline: 402-475-5683
- Nebraska Family Helpline: 1-888-866-8660, Hearing Impaired: 1-888-556-5117
- CenterPointe Lancaster County Crisis Line: 402-475-6695
OpiRescue is also a free overdose support tool to recognize, reverse and report an overdose.
The health department encourages residents to find out more about Narcan, a life-saving drug that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. Nebraska law allows bystanders to administer it to save a life.
Several pharmacies in Lincoln and Lancaster County provide Narcan for free to family and friends of people who are facing addiction. Locations include: Kohl’s Rx, 808 North 27th Street, Hy-Vee Pharmacy, 5010 “O” St. and U-Save Pharmacy in Waverly.
The Opioid Overdose Prevention Coalition provides consumer and provider education and advocacy through collaborations in treatment, reducing stigma and prevention education. Residents can learn more about life saving measures and treatment options at lincoln.ne.gov/OD. The coalition is a group led by the LLCHD that includes community members and more than 20 Lincoln organizations.
Anyone with information about people distributing illegal drugs, especially in cases that led to overdoses, to call the LPD non-emergency number at 402-441-6000, the Lincoln-Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force at 402-441-8181 or Crime Stoppers at 402-475-3600.