A new batch of fentanyl circulating throughout five mid-Michigan counties recently caused an increase in the number of drug-related deaths.
The medical examiner for Iosco, Arenac, Midland, Bay and Tuscola counties, Dr. William Morronem, said in a release there have been six overdose deaths in a recent 11-day span.
Public health officials said these numbers are alarming. They want the public and first responders to be aware of the danger and take preventative measures to protect themselves.
"Seek treatment. Keep Narcan or naloxone readily available and do not use drugs alone," said Dr. Catherine Bodnar, the medical director of The Midland County Department of Public Health.
Other preventative steps drug users can take is avoiding mixing drugs and taking advantage of test strips that can detect fentanyl in other drugs.
"Substance use disorder is a very treatable condition and we need to come together. As a community and as a region to help enable folks to get the treatment they need," Bodnar said.
