3
10
By now it is evident that drug overdose deaths increased substantially in 2020 due to a variety of issues surrounding the coronavirus pandemic. However, in Columbus, Ohio, overdose deaths increased at a noticeably greater rate than in the rest of the country.
The state of Ohio is no stranger to substance abuse problems. Historically, both prescription and illicit opioids have flooded the state, including in the Columbus area. Over time, Franklin County residents have indicated a shift from prescription opioids to heroin and, more recently, from pure heroin to laced heroin, meth, and fentanyl. According to the coroner in Franklin County, overdose deaths in 2020 tell a similar story, although some other new trends can be noted.
These Columbus police officers dealt with a very sad situation in which a middle-aged woman struggling with addiction was writhing around and eating dirt at the side of the road.
The woman was taken to the hospital for detox.