8 People a Day Killed by Accidental Overdoses in Ohio

2015 proved to be a deadly year doubling the number of overdoses from 2014

Ohio officials say accidental drug overdoses killed a record 3,050 people in the state last year, or an average of eight per day.

Over one-third of those were linked to a powerful painkiller, fentanyl. A report released Thursday shows fentanyl-related deaths more than doubled form 2014, pushing the overdose toll to record high.

The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services’ medical director says Ohio’s addictions epidemic can only be dealt with through prevention, intervention, treatment, and use of life-saving measures such as an overdose antidote.

Officials concede the problem has gown, but they have hope of making headway. They point to progress in curbing prescription opiate abuse an say they’re working to improve access to the antidote and drug treatment and recovery resources.