By Craig Anderson

The Delaware Division of Public Health on Tuesday released information from the 2020 State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System.

The snapshot contains fatality data compiled from the Overdose Data to Action collaborative, through which Public Health collects and analyzes overdose death statistics from death certificates, medical examiner reports, forensic toxicology results and law enforcement statements.

The fact sheet shared Tuesday provides details on drugs listed as causes of death on death certificates and drugs identified as present by toxicology or medical examiner reporting. Almost all heroin overdose deaths had fentanyl present (99%).

Furthermore, fentanyl was the drug most frequently listed as a cause of death (84%).

Most overdose deaths had more than one drug present (78%), and 84% of all cocaine overdose deaths involved fentanyl. Similarly, fentanyl presence was high among methamphetamine (79%) and benzodiazepine (79%) overdose deaths.

“As we commemorate International Overdose Awareness Day on Aug. 31 and remember the lives lost to overdose, it is important for all Delawareans and visitors to the state to know that no illicit drug is safe,” said Public Health interim director Dr. Rick Hong.

“Assume that drugs not prescribed by your doctor contain or are laced with fentanyl. The information analyzed by the Overdose Data to Action collaborative clearly shows that fentanyl is present in not only opioids but also cocaine and counterfeit prescription medications.”

State health officials are finalizing a strategy to distribute fentanyl test strips in bulk. Currently, the public can receive two tests in any Public Health naloxone kit, available through the mail and at distribution events listed here.

To prevent overdose deaths, in addition to having naloxone on hand and utilizing fentanyl tests, a person in active substance use should never use alone and should use slowly, so that someone they trust can monitor for any adverse effects.

Further, to prevent the spread of infectious disease, Public Health encourages people with substance use disorder to engage with Brandywine Counseling & Community Services here or 302-656-2348.

Call the 24/7 Crisis Hotline to be connected to treatment options. In New Castle County, call 800-652-2929. In Kent and Sussex, call 800-345-6785.