Overdoses killing more people in Butler County than all other causes of death combined

During the first third of 2017, drug overdoses claimed more lives in Butler County than all other causes combined. The year's death toll, if it continues at this pace, will be 50 percent higher than 2016, when fatal overdoses set a record.

The Butler County Coroner's Office released statistics Wednesday showing that 96 people died from overdoses during the first four months of the year.

During the same period, 79 people died from non-overdose related causes. 

• Natural causes: 36
• Suicides: 21
• Homicides: 3
• Traffic crashes: 4
• Other accidents: 7
• Undetermined: 8

In 2016, Butler County saw 192 fatal overdoses. However, if overdoses continue on their current pace, 2017 could surpass that record by 100 deaths. 

Of the 96 overdose deaths this year, 80 involved opiates, the coroner's office reported. The majority of the cases involved fentanyl (which is more powerful than heroin), although 11 involved carfentanil (which is more powerful than fentanyl) and one involved furanylfentanyl.

“The disturbing trend of overdose deaths involving fentanyl in Butler County continues at an alarming rate,” said Coroner Dr. Lisa Mannix.

She said the county averaged one overdose death per day in April, making it the deadliest month on record regardless of the causes. Mannix delayed a quarterly report on overdose deaths to include April because of the heavy toll.

Mannix said free kits of Narcan are available through the county Health Department at 513-863-1770.

For more information on local mental health, addiction and crisis services, people can contact the county's Mental Health Crisis Hotline and Heroin Hopeline at 844-427-4747 or visit www.butlercountyohio.org/health.