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CDC: Ohio Must Target Counties With Worst Overdose Rates

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – Government scientists say Ohio must target anti-overdose interventions in eight counties accounting for two of every three overdose deaths from the powerful painkiller fentanyl.

The scientists with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also say the state must ensure widespread availability of an anti-overdose drug.

The CDC also said in a report issued Tuesday that addicts should have access to a variety of drug overdose prevention services, including clean needles when allowed by local policies.

The report said most Ohioans dying from fentanyl overdoses were white men, with the average age 38 and with a span of ages from 17 to 71.

CDC scientists visited Ohio last year in the wake of data showing the state experienced 502 fentanyl-related deaths in 2014, up from 84 the year before.