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Erie County warns of surge in opioid-related deaths

The Erie County Health Department has issued an alert regarding an increase in suspected opioid overdose deaths over the past few days.

Officials say they have become aware of seven potential deaths potentially attributed to opioids from March1-3.

They say this indicates that current drugs being sold on the street are of unusually strong potency, noting that heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine are being cut with fentanyl, which is a very strong opioid. Fentanyl, alone, is 50-100 times more potent than morphine.

Individuals struggling with Substance Use Disorder are advised to carry Narcan, or naloxone, at all times. For help, the Erie County Addiction Hotline is available at 716-831-7007.

Mark Wozniak, WBFO's local All Things Considered host, has been at WBFO since mid-1978.