(Updated: Adds video and comments from first responders and the Deschutes County Health Department)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Four people were reported to have overdosed on fentanyl in just six hours in Bend on Tuesday, and first responders' use of Narcan saved them all — Officials While resources are becoming increasingly scarce, steps are being taken to step up efforts to combat the problem through greater awareness and preparedness.
The increase in overdoses in Deschutes County has accelerated in recent years. According to Deschutes County Health Services, more than 150 fentanyl overdoses were reported in the county in 2023.
Overdoses have skyrocketed in central Oregon over the past year. There were seven suspected fatal overdoses in January, and 11 total since December, according to the latest data from Deschutes County Health Services and the Medical Examiner's Office.
Final data for 2023 will not be available as experts are processing all information, but Deschutes County Health Services is actively working with the Coroner's Office and will be able to obtain real-time data.
“In 2022, there were 25 overdose deaths in Deschutes County, compared to 200 in Portland,” said Deschutes County Substance Abuse and Problem Gambling Prevention Program Supervisor Jess Neuwirth. Statewide, we're at nearly 1,400, a relatively low level for both the region and the state.”
According to 2022 data, 244 people were treated for overdoses in Deschutes County emergency departments. It is important to note that most overdoses do not result in death, and this is largely due to the reversal drug, Narcan. But Bend Fire and Rescue says the rise in overdoses is straining their resources.
“If there's a confirmed overdose, especially two or three at once, two or three agencies and four or five fire engines are needed,” said Drew Norris, the agency's deputy chief of emergency medicine. “That leaves the rest of the district pretty thin for a year.” In the meantime, we need to request mutual aid from Redmond, Sunriver, Sisters, or places like that to come to our district and help us respond to incoming emergency calls. And it also makes them rarer in the community. ”
Norris also said they are in the very early stages of creating a new program in partnership with Deschutes County Health Services to further prevent overdoses in Deschutes County.
The program would mimic a “hope kit” that includes a vial of Narcan, fentanyl test strips, educational materials about opioids, and resources to find help. He said he wants them to be given to people who use frequently or people who have overdosed and are now OK but are afraid to go to the hospital.
According to Deschutes County Health Services, most overdoses are not fatal, and administering Narcan sooner can be the difference between life and death. Neuwirth shared this message, asking people to “carry Narcan with you. It's small and easy to carry. You can find it at most local pharmacies.”
Bend police began using Narcan in 2016 to help deter overdose deaths.
“It's like carrying a first aid kit, it's like carrying a tourniquet,” said communications manager Sheila Miller. “Keeping Narcan on hand allows us to provide immediate, life-saving care when needed.”
“City police officers carry defibrillators and Narcan, so in many cases they can administer Narcan before we arrive,” Norris said, which makes a big difference. He said it was possible.
First responders and the county say much of the concern about the rise in overdoses centers on the idea that more common drugs are being used for more dangerous drugs.
Chief Norris said, “You think you're getting one drug, and then it's laced with another drug, like fentanyl. That's why we see a lot of overdoses like this.” .
Neuwirth also advised, “Assume that there is something else involved in purchasing drugs on the street or online.”
In general, many people think that overdoses only affect people in the homeless community. According to the Deschutes County Health Department, more than half of overdose deaths occur in people with permanent residences, usually because they took another drug that was accidentally laced with something more dangerous, such as fentanyl. It is said that this is due to the fact that
Although fentanyl and other synthetic opioids pose a new threat, drug use is not a new problem, and health services programs have been connecting with and supporting community members for years.
Health services' responses to substance use can be divided into four categories: prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery.
- Primary prevention: Primary prevention strategies for drug use introduce protective factors across key periods and contexts in a person's life to reduce and reduce the risk that an individual will engage in drug use.
- Harm Reduction: Harm reduction measures aim to support people with substance use disorders and reduce the further harm caused by addiction.
- Treatment and Recovery Support: DCHS provides substance use disorder services to children, youth, adults, and their families. In 2023, M110 funding will be used to expand services to provide additional adult testing and counseling and youth recovery services.
Deschutes County established an Overdose Prevention and Response Coordination Team. This team will expand partnerships, improve data and surveillance from multiple sources, and mobilize partners to inform and support county responses to both fatal and non-fatal overdose cases. will convene every other week to do so. They also coordinate response efforts, communicate accurate and consistent messages, and organize resource assessments.
As part of that effort, the Overdose Review Committee monitors and identifies changes in substance-related fatal and non-fatal overdoses. The board serves as an operations center for overdose spikes.
In case of emergency, please call 911. You are protected from drug-related charges by the Good Samaritan Law.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with drug or alcohol use, seek help:
Drug and Alcohol Helpline: (800) 923-4357) or text: 'Recovery Now' to 839863. A helpline for individuals and families seeking crisis intervention, treatment referrals, and information about chemical dependence. linesforlife.org/alcohol-and-drug-helpline
Youth Crisis Phone: (877) 968-8491 Text: 'teen2teen' at 839863.
Teen to Teen Crisis and Youth Helpline. Teens are available to help from 4pm to 10pm daily (after-hours calls are answered on the crisis line) oregonyouthline.org
Access to resources and other information can be found at www.deschutes.org/stopoverdose.
