HOLD THE PHONE –

June 7, 2021 – The health department hopes the program, which was developed by the Partnership to End Addiction, will reach individuals at risk of suffering an overdose and alert them to overdose spikes.

Health department epidemiologists will determine what constitutes an overdose “spike” by monitoring deviations from the ever-changing average of cases — with careful consideration to the geographic location and dates of overdoses.

Spikes can indicate when drugs in circulation are laced with fentanyl, which is especially deadly, according to Trevor Henderson, the director of the health department’s overdose response program.

“We have a lot of fake pills out there that may look like the real deal,” Henderson said. “If anyone is using an illicit substance in Davidson County, we’re in a situation now that it’s more dangerous than it has ever been. The risk of death is much higher.”

Suspected drug overdose deaths surged during the pandemic, and recent data suggests cases will not be slowing down soon.

more@WPLN