Coroners raise new concerns after July overdose death spike

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COLUMBUS (AP) — Ohio coroners are raising new warnings following a spike in drug overdose deaths.

Ten overdose deaths were reported through Wednesday in Montgomery County, which is home to Dayton. That number compares with a total of 18 deaths in all of June.

Montgomery County Coroner Dr. Kent Harshbarger says there’s a strong likelihood that street drugs, including cocaine, may be laced with fentanyl or other fatal chemicals.

The coroner serving the Columbus area reported nine overdose deaths in 48 hours between Saturday and Monday.

Franklin County Coroner Dr. Anahi Ortiz said residents with family or friends at risk for overdoses should have the anti-overdose antidote Naloxone available for them.

Ohio saw a record 4,854 unintentional fatal overdoses in 2017, the most recent year for which statewide data is available.

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