EUGENE, Ore. – In recent days, the Eugene Police Department (EPD) has been confronted with a troubling trend of overdose-related deaths in the community. Since Wednesday, August 2, 2023, there have been at least eight fatalities linked to drug use, with initial investigations pointing towards a potential connection to fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid.
The Lane County Medical Examiner is currently working to determine the exact cause of each death, but early findings suggest a concerning pattern of illicit drug use in these cases. The EPD has issued a warning to the public about the dangers posed by potentially potent and deadly forms of fentanyl that may be circulating within the community.
The spike in fatalities over such a short period has raised alarm bells among law enforcement and health officials in Eugene. Emergency responders have been working tirelessly to address the crisis, but the prevalence of fentanyl in street drugs continues to pose a serious threat to public health and safety.
Numerous incidents have been reported, detailing the tragic circumstances surrounding each overdose death in the city. From individuals found deceased in buildings and residences to emergency responders attempting to revive victims in RVs and apartments, the impact of this drug crisis is deeply felt throughout the community.
The Eugene Police Department emphasizes that fentanyl is increasingly being found in a variety of street drugs, including counterfeit pills and powdered substances that are often mistaken for other substances like cocaine, MDMA, or methamphetamine. Citizens are urged to exercise extreme caution and assume that any illicit drug they encounter may contain fentanyl.
In response to the escalating crisis, local resources like Narcan are readily available at pharmacies and community organizations to help combat overdoses. The EPD encourages residents to seek out Narcan and proper training, as well as providing information on where to obtain this life-saving medication in Eugene. Collaboration between law enforcement, healthcare providers, and community organizations is crucial in addressing the impact of fentanyl-related overdoses.