The Ohio State Highway Patrol continues to investigate a substance exposure at the Ross Correctional Institution (RCI) in Chillicothe. The facility is secure with no safety threat to the public.
At approximately 9:10 a.m. on Wednesday, the Ross Correctional Institution reported an inmate with possible signs of a drug overdose. He was administered Narcan and transported to the hospital. The Ohio State Highway Patrol and local emergency medical services were called and responded to the prison. A total of 29 individuals were identified as potentially being exposed to the unidentified substance. A total of 28 individuals (23 correction officers, four nurses, and one inmate) were treated on scene and later transported to the hospital for evaluation. One inmate was treated on scene and was not transported.
The Patrol says they suspect fentanyl because those who were exposed showed drug overdose symptoms. All RCI staff are now stable and some have already been discharged from the hospital.
Approximately 31 inmates who were not affected were removed from the cellblock and are located in other secure areas of the facility. A hazardous material unit is on scene and will be cleaning the affected areas of the institution. Samples of the substance have been collected so it can be tested and identified. As a precautionary measure, additional doses of Narcan have been supplied to the hospital.
The situation is stabilized with no additional reports of exposure.