RELATED: Springfield ‘mule’ in largest black tar heroin bust sent to prison
While many of the deaths involve multiple drugs, the majority include opioids, such as heroin and fentanyl.
Of the 49 total deaths in Clark County through Feb. 10 this year, more than half — 27 — are suspected drug overdose deaths, including 10 this month, he said.
READ MORE: Rash of overdoses in Springfield strains resources
Last year, 68 people died of drug overdoses through November, Marsh said. Nine more are likely to be confirmed as overdose deaths, Marsh said.
“Experience suggests that most of the suspected unintentional drug deaths will be confirmed as drug deaths,” he said.
In 2015, 73 people died of drug overdoses — the same number of people who died in 2013 and 2014 combined. The county saw 37 people die of drug overdoses both of those years.
DETAILS: Child running in street leads Clark deputies to double overdose
Coming Sunday: Springfield News-Sun reporter Michael Cooper rode along with the Springfield Fire/Rescue Division as it responded to calls throughout the city to describe the physical and emotional toll the heroin epidemic is having on local first responders.
Clark County drug deaths by year
2013: 37
2014: 37
2015: 73
2016: 77 (68 confirmed, 9 suspected)
2017: 27 (suspected through Feb. 10)
About the Author