A new report from the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy revealed eight overdose deaths in Russell County in 2019.
That number is an increase from six overdose deaths that were reported in the county in 2018 and less than five overdose deaths that were reported in 2017.
In total, there were 1,316 reported overdose cases in Kentucky last year, which represented an increase from 1,247 in 2018.
Overdose deaths in nearby counties
Adair: Less than five
Casey: Six
Clinton: Less than five
Cumberland: 0
Green: Less than five
Pulaski:14
Taylor: Six
Wayne: Less than five
Other notable findings from the report:
- Residents in the age group of 35 – 44 were the largest demographic in overdose deaths, followed by the age group of 45 – 54.
- Autopsies performed by the Kentucky Office of the Medical Examiner and toxicology reports submitted by Kentucky coroners show that approximately 166 resident overdose deaths involved the use of heroin in 2019, a decrease from 188 in 2018.
- Fentanyl was involved in 759 cases, approximately 58% of all overdose deaths for the year. Acetylfentanyl was involved in 419 cases, approximately 32% of all overdose deaths for the year.
- Jefferson County had the most resident overdose deaths of any county with 319 reported, an increase from 281 in 2018. The largest increase in resident overdose fatalities occurred in Grant County, where deaths increased by eight. Other counties with increases include Nelson, Oldham, and Pike County, which all increased by seven.
- The largest decrease of overdose deaths occurred in Fayette County, which had 22 fewer Kentucky resident fatalities in 2019 compared to the previous year. Other counties with a significant decrease in the number of overdose deaths include Kenton by 13 and Campbell by 11.
