Metro Public Health: Fentanyl present in Nashville area, uptick in overdose incidents
The Metro Public Health Department issued an alert to the public Friday about fentanyl in the downtown area linked to an increase in drug overdose-related incidents.
The warning, issued through Twitter, reported that fentanyl in powder or pill form has been detected in downtown Nashville recently. Those affected have used what they thought was cocaine and have overdosed, the statement read.
Our team continues to see an increase in drug overdose-related incidents happening in the downtown Nashville area. Our partners at @MNPDNashville would like to alert the public about fentanyl, in powder or pill form, in the downtown Nashville area. pic.twitter.com/9M3RTKjxij
— NashvilleHealth (@NashvilleHealth) May 20, 2022
Previously: More than 400 people across Nashville died from a drug overdose in 2019. TobyMac's son was one of them.
On the rise: Reported 2020 fatal drug overdoses in Davidson County surpass all of 2019
The health department also encouraged people and businesses to keep naloxone on hand, an opioid overdose reversal medication also known as Narcan.
In Davidson County this year alone, fentanyl has been detected among roughly 80% of overdose deaths, according to MPHD.
We encourage individuals and businesses to carry naloxone, an overdose reversal drug, to save lives and prevent further harm. For training and information on naloxone, contact @starsnash.
Help is available for those at risk of an overdose.
RESOURCES: https://t.co/2mhFtLlKTU pic.twitter.com/gicDklREe4— NashvilleHealth (@NashvilleHealth) May 20, 2022
Community members can access naloxone information and training at starsnashville.org. More resources can be found at nashville.gov/departments/health/drug-overdose-information.
Related: Singer Justin Townes Earle died of accidental drug overdose, autopsy shows
Reach reporter Molly Davis at mdavis2@gannett.com or on Twitter @mollym_davis.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville public health department issues fentanyl alert