ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. — Rowan County health officials are raising concerns about an increase in deadly drug overdoses.
According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), suspected opioid overdose emergency department visits rose by 120% from 5 to 11 between April and May.
Opioid overdose deaths have also increased.
The county’s public health officials are now trying to uncover what is causing the spike.
“We found that coming out of COVID, people started turning to drugs more for coping mechanisms,” April Gaither, a nurse manager at Novant Health Rowan Medical Center, said. “There’s a new line of drugs that have come into Rowan County. It’s been tested and found positive. Those are highly addictive, so once you do it one time, it’s really hard to get away from it.”
Testing from the Rowan County Health Department found evidence of fentanyl, xylazine and medetomidine mixed with illicit drugs, including cocaine, methamphetamine, and counterfeit prescription pills.
Xylazine and medetomidine are animal tranquilizers. When mixed with other drugs, experts said they can increase the risk of a deadly overdose.
“If someone is overdosing due to an opioid, Narcan can reverse that opioid overdose, but it is not affecting that animal tranquilizer piece of this overdose effect,” Hayley Edwards, Rowan County’s Public Health, substance use and program manager, said. “A lot of individuals are not waking up from their remaining sedative.”
Because Narcan does not work on xylazine and medetomidine, officials said more people are dying from overdoses in Rowan County.
At least 15 people have died of overdoses in Rowan County this year, according to the N.C. Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
“We don’t know where they’re getting access to these drugs,” Edwards said. “We do feel like a lot of drugs are probably coming from other counties.”
Rowan County’s health leaders are urging the public to stay away from opioids and illicit drugs because they could have dire consequences.
“Overdose is preventable,” Edwards said.
“Just don’t do it,” Gaither said. “There’s lots of resources out there without going the drug route.”
If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, NCDHHS recommends contacting the 988 Lifeline or calling the North Carolina Peer Warmline at 1-855-PEERS-NC.
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Chloe Salsameda
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