Opioid Overdoses On The Rise In Hancock County

7/21/17 – 5:05 A.M.

Nine people died from opioid overdoses in Hancock County through the first six months of 2017. That’s according to Hancock Public Health, which also reports the 2017 number is three higher than the 2016 figure for the same time period.

The overall number of overdoses has skyrocketed this year. The agency says more than 160 people overdosed on opioids through the end of June, up more than 50 compared to the same time frame a year ago.

Of the nine people who died, Hancock Public Health says fentanyl was a contributing factor in eight of the cases.

The death toll from overdoses could climb higher. There are currently nine other deaths waiting on a coroner’s ruling.