Steuben County is experiencing a rise in drug overdose deaths, with 42 cases reported in June alone, including one fatality, according to the Public Health Department.
The surge, which began in 2021 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, saw opioids implicated in nine of the county’s overdose records last month.
Public Health Officials caution the true number could be even higher due to potential underreporting of overdose fatalities.
In response to the crisis public health officials highlighted resources available to residents.
Narcan, a medication used to counter the effects of an opioid overdose, can be obtained via a free online training program offered on the county’s website. Following completion of the program, participants can request a free Narcan kit to be delivered by mail.
Additionally, in-person training can be scheduled through Steuben Public Health or the Steuben Prevention Coalition’s Opioid Committee.
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