Trumbull County has experienced a distressing surge in accidental drug overdoses this year, resulting in the tragic loss of 40 lives, Your Content has learned.
April Caraway, the Executive Director of the Trumbull County Mental Health and Recovery Board, has observed this alarming trend becoming a weekly occurrence.
Shockingly, eight of these overdose fatalities affected African American men and women.
The substantial increase in Black deaths, from less than 10 percent last year to 20 percent this year, has raised significant concerns among experts.
Mental health professionals suspect that the proliferation of fentanyl in illicit drugs may be a contributing factor.
Fentanyl has been detected not only in crack cocaine and methamphetamine but also in marijuana combined with THC, intensifying the danger.
In response to the escalating number of fatal overdoses, particularly among minorities, the Trumbull County Mental Health and Recovery Board has taken proactive measures to raise awareness.
They have been actively participating in health fairs, launching a faith-based initiative within Black churches to distribute informational brochures and drug deactivation kits.
Additionally, they have been distributing Narcan kits, emphasizing its usage to families, and encouraging them not to hesitate in dialing 911 during emergencies.
Together, these efforts aim to address the critical issue of fatal overdoses and empower the community to take preventive actions, ultimately saving lives, according CBS 27.