COLUMBUS, Ind. – The Alliance of Substance Abuse Progress (ASAP), the Columbus Police Department (CPD), the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), and the Columbus Mayor’s office issued a joint warning to citizens of the county due to a recent spike in overdose deaths. During the first four months of 2021, CPD and BCSO responded to more drug overdoses and “suspected” overdoses than during this same period in previous years.
“With overdose numbers rising, we feel the public should exercise extreme caution when it comes to substances and carry NARCAN® as a lifesaving precaution,” said Doug Leonard, Executive Director of ASAP. NARCAN®, an opioid overdose reversal, is available with no questions asked, at the ASAP Hub, in the United Way Center, 1531 13th Street.
“Pure fentanyl is being purchased in lieu of other drugs like heroin, as well as being added to other substances. Each and every time fentanyl is used, life is at risk,” said Sheriff Matt Myers.
“Fentanyl is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine and 25 to 50 times more potent than heroin,” Columbus Chief of Police Mike Richardson added.
“There is nothing more important than the safety of our citizens,” said Columbus Mayor Jim Lienhoop. “We want you to take caution and know that ASAP is there to help if you are ready to make a change.”
ASAP leads the effort to identify system-wide solutions to substance misuse and substance use disorders. It is a partner in advocacy, education, and support for the health of all in the community.
