The Chillicothe Police Department has issued a community alert concerning what they call an "Unusually high number of sudden overdoses". The alert was issued on Twitter in conjunction with the Ross County Health District and the Hope Partnership Project.
.
The Ross County Coroner is reporting a surge in overdose deaths over the past week. Data released Sunday showed nine overdoses and five deaths last week- with three fatalities just this past weekend.
.
The alert also states that "This most likely represents the presence of extremely potent opiate (or opiod) narcotic products in the community." It added that "This product is causing rapid respiratory depression upon ingestion. Anyone who ingests this product is at extreme risk of death".
.
The message adds that "If you witness an overdose, it is extremely important to stay with the person and call 9-1-1."