2017 was another record-breaking year for the number of fatal overdoses in Butler County.
The Butler County Coroner’s Office has now confirmed what most already suspected. There were more fatal drug overdoses last year than ever before in our county’s history- 92. That is 18 more than the year before.
Of the 92 overdoses in 2017, 87 of them were a result of fentanyl, a mixture of fentanyl and heroin; or a combination of several drugs that together proved deadly.
Only two of the 92 overdoses were a direct result of just heroin.
When you look at the data from the last five years, the sharp increase in overdose deaths is staggering. In 2013, the coroner’s office says there were less than 10 fatal drug overdoses. That’s just five years ago.
Several community partners have stepped up to do what they can to help the opioid epidemic. Butler County Community College has launched an initiative called “Reset Your Brain.” A forum will be held next week with a renowned therapist detailing his unique approach to addiction. More on that here and here.