The Peoria Police Department is seeing double the number of heroin overdose deaths this year compared to 2014. So far 10 people have died from the drug.
Peoria Police Lieutenant Mike Mushinsky says paramedics have given anti-overdose medications 700 times since January, and says that's also nearly double the use from last year.
"So if that gives you an idea of kind of how bad it is, and if it wasn't for the Narcan, I think the death toll would be much greater than what it is right now."
Mushinsky says the reason behind the overdose surge is a more potent form of heroin that contains a pain medication called Fentanyl. But he also says heroin is cheaper to buy compared to other drugs, which also adds to the number of users.
Mushinsky also says some heroin users are afraid of being arrested for using heroin kits on someone else who overdosed. But he says residents should always call 911 and give the anti-overdose medication:
“That’s the most important thing. The police aren’t going to get there and arrest you for having done heroin. That’s not what we’re there for, the most important thing is that you try to save that person’s life.”
Mushinsky says people can get free anti-overdose kits and training at the Jolt Foundation at 5401 N. Knoxville, Suite 109 in Peoria. Information about the Jolt Center is available by clicking here.
POLICE TAKING STEPS:
Mushinsky also says the both Peoria Police and Peoria County Sheriff’s Deputies will start carrying anti-overdose kits in their patrol cars. At $90 per kit, police say it’s a needed step if officers arrive on scene and need to administer the drug to a potential heroin overdose victim before paramedics arrive.