The health department has issued a warning to the public after a 100% increase in suspected overdose deaths was seen in McHenry County over the last month.
The McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) said Monday there has been an increase in deaths, suspected from overdoses, in the county during the month of October.
The department said the number of suspected overdose deaths in October was double compared to September, marking a 100% increase.
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.
Health officials say residents are reminded about the Good Samaritan Act, also known as the Emergency Medical Services Access Law of 2012.
The law protects individuals seeking emergency assistance, whether by calling 911 or transporting someone to an emergency room for an overdose, as well as those experiencing an overdose, from being charged or prosecuted for felony drug possession under specified amounts.
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.
“The MCDH and its partners want residents to remain safe and ensure they have the supplies they need,” the department said.
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.
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 on November 25.