MANCHESTER, NH – There have been 105 overdoses reported to Manchester Police in the past 75 days, and Manchester Emergency Services continue to see an uptick in overdose calls for service, primarily involving heroin.
Preliminary reports reveal at least 14 of the overdoses resulted in fatalities. Manchester Police had nine fatal overdoses in December of 2014, but statistical information is not immediately available for 2014.
Manchester Police responded to 105 suspected overdoses since January 1, 2015. Fourteen of the overdoses resulted in death. All but one appears to have involved heroin, but two of them were determined to be due to fentanyl ingestion. Oxycodone appears to be the cause of at least one of the fatalities.
Fentanyl is typically used to produce anesthesia for surgery. It is also used to treat pain before, during and after surgery. A few milligrams mixed with heroin can result in death.
Police want to continue to inform the public of the serious dangers associated with heroin use and urge those using to seek help.
“Your first time using could also be your last time, so please speak with your family and friends and pass along this message,” said Manchester Police Chief David Mara.
Although state-funded beds for addiction recovery can lead to a waiting period , there are resources available. Click here for a resource guide issued by the state Department of Health and Human Services.
DrugFree NH has a NH Drug and Alcohol service provider website which you can access here.
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