FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 7, 2014
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Janis D. Shields, Cecil County Health Department, Public Information Officer
Phone: 443-245-3757, Cell 443-907-4673, E-mail: [email protected]
DRUG OVERDOSE IS PREVENTABLE
Drug overdose affects everyone in our community; Know the signs, save a life
ELKTON, MD [February 7, 2014] - The tragic death of actor Philip Seymour Hoffman and
dozens of recent overdoses in Maryland and surrounding states serve as a stark reminder
that recognizing substance abuse and overdose prevention are still of the highest priority for
Cecil County.
According to Maryland’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME), between September
2013 and today, at least 37 Maryland deaths were linked to a potent and deadly batch of heroin
that is tainted with fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid,. The fentanyl/heroin deaths represent
approximately 12 percent of 318 overdose deaths during the same time period.
Overdose is preventable. The Cecil County Health Department encourages everyone to become
informed on how to recognize a drug overdose and know what to do if it occurs.
An overdose occurs when an individual takes more of a drug than the body can handle. The person’s
breathing slows to dangerous levels, resulting in respiratory arrest. The lack of oxygen to the brain
can lead to consequences ranging from loss of consciousness to coma or death.
“If you suspect an overdose, call 911 immediately, then begin rescue breathing,” says Ken
Collins, Special Assistant to the County Executive for Drug Policy. "Don't leave victims alone to
sleep it off. Get medical assistance. Emergency responders have medications that can save
unconscious overdose victims.”
“Overdose can occur by ingesting too much of a substance or when combining substances.
Especially dangerous substances to combine include opiates, alcohol, and benzodiazepines,” says
Karl Webner, Cecil County Overdose Prevention Coordinator. “Anyone is at risk. The risk
increases for people who combine multiple substances or use drugs after a period of abstinence.
Risk also increases following release from prison, jail, or residential treatment, during a holiday
celebration or after a significant loss.”
More 
OVERDOSE IS PREVENTABLE, page two
Signs and symptoms of an overdose include:
- Loud, uneven snoring or gurgling noises
- Very limp body
- Unresponsive to stimuli such as noise or pain
- Pale, clammy skin
- Blue lips or fingertips (from lack of oxygen)
- Slow or erratic pulse (heartbeat)
- Shallow, slow breaths (fewer than 10 per minute) or not breathing at all
- Unconsciousness
Risk factors for overdose include:
- Recent medical care for opioid poisoning/intoxication/overdose
- History of heroin or nonmedical opioid use
- High dose opioid prescription
- Recent release from jail or prison
- Recent release from mandatory abstinence/detox program
- Enrolled in methadone or buprenorphine detox/maintenance
-
A combination of any opiate use in conjunction with the following:
o Alcohol use
o Benzodiazepine use
o Antidepressant medication use
o Remoteness from or difficulty accessing medical care
The Cecil County Health Department has several upcoming events to help educate residents
about overdose prevention and available resources. Additional information on how to recognize
a drug overdose and overdose prevention tips are available at cecilcountyhealth.org.
UPCOMING EVENTS
A Conversation about Overdose Prevention
Thursday, March 6, 2014, 6 p.m. at Cecil County Health Department
Information about drug overdose will be presented, as well as an open discussion to share
thoughts, concerns, and ideas for moving forward.
The Anonymous People
A powerful documentary about the over 23 million Americans living in long-term recovery from
alcohol and other drug addiction. Free screenings throughout Cecil County. See
www.cecilcountyhealth.org for details or to make reservations.
OTHER RESOURCES
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) http://www.drugabuse.gov/
NIDA For Teens http://teens.drugabuse.gov/
Naloxone Info http://www.naloxoneinfo.org/
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