File Photo – Woodstock Fire/Rescue District | Photo: WFRD

The health department has issued a warning to the public after recently identifying an increase in suspected overdose deaths and non-fatal overdoses in McHenry County.

The McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) said Friday there has been an increase in deaths, suspected from overdoses, in the county, as well as non-fatal opioid overdoses.

The department did not provide specific numbers but said the increase was seen over the last three weeks.

Health officials say the deaths have not been confirmed as opioid-related yet but most overdose deaths in McHenry County are caused by opioids, most often fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid.

Fentanyl, which is highly lethal, is becoming more common in illicit drugs.

The health department said fentanyl is often found in counterfeit pills, even those sold as “legitimate prescription medications” obtained unlawfully.

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“MCDH and its partners want everyone to remain safe and ensure they have the supplies they need,” the department said.

Fentanyl test strips, which can be used to detect fentanyl in all types of drugs, can help prevent an overdose.

Naloxone, also referred to as Narcan, can help reverse an overdose.

Fentanyl test strips and Narcan are available for free from the health department at their Crystal Lake and Woodstock offices. Those interested can call 815-334-4500.

Supplies are also available for free at MCDH Narcan vending machines located at The Other Side Café and Sober Bar in Crystal Lake, McHenry County College cafeteria in Crystal Lake, Community Health Partnership in Harvard and Family Center of McHenry County in McHenry.

Supplies are also available from Live4Lali, Warp Corps, The Break Crystal Lake Teen Center and A Way Out McHenry County.

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The McHenry County Substance Awareness Coalition (SAC) provides resources to individuals and families in McHenry County to mobilize the community to build a unified focus and empower residents to participate in substance awareness.

The McHenry County SAC holds a public meeting on the fourth Monday of every month from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the McHenry County Mental Health Board, 620 Dakota Street in Crystal Lake, to address identified substance awareness issues in the county. The next meeting is Monday.