The Oneida County Overdose Response Team has issued an overdose spike alert regarding three fatal overdoses related to crack cocaine that occurred in the City of Utica over a 24-hour period.
One of the fatal overdoses occurred on December 11, 2023 and the other two fatalities happened within the next 24 hours.
“The Oneida County Opioid Task Force Overdose Response Team also monitors overdose patterns relating to non-opioid drugs,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. “In these three fatalities, crack cocaine was reported as the drug used. Authorities are still investigating, but the public should be aware that a potentially tainted supply of crack cocaine is circulating in the City of Utica and proceed with extreme caution.”
The Overdose Response Team conducts a rapid assessment to identify factors that may be contributing to overdose spikes. Individuals using all drugs should take the same harm reduction precautions as those using opioids such as carrying naloxone, fentanyl test strips and never using alone.
People who use drugs and their loved ones can access treatment and recovery services by calling 211. Free Narcan-by-Mail is available through the Oneida County Health Department by visiting https://www.ocopioidtaskforce.org. Free, anonymous 24/7 access to naloxone, fentanyl test strips and other wellness supplies are also available at the new Public Health Kiosk located at the Giotto Center at 1002 Oswego Street in Utica. The Never Use Alone Hotline can be reached at 1-800-484-3731.