Drug overdose deaths dropped again last year in Peoria County. There was a big increase in 2017 thanks to fentanyl laced heroin on the streets. Since then there has been some improvement. Kristin McHugh talks with Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood. Harwood says preliminary data show drug-related deaths dropped significantly in 2019 thanks to harm reduction work by the Jolt Foundation.
Peoria County drug overdose deaths peaked at 67 in 2017 and declined to 59 in 2018. Harwood says final numbers are not yet available for 2019. He adds honest discussion about addiction and it's stigma is key to reducing overall drug-related deaths. Hear Kristin McHugh's full interview with Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood below.
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WCBU's Kristin McHugh interviews Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood. A portion of this interview originally aired January 27, 2020.
