Fentanyl deaths increase fourfold in Marin County in last 2 weeks

NOVATO, Calif. - Officials in Marin County have sent out a health advisory following what they say is a concerning uptick in overdose deaths by fentanyl in the last two weeks. 

Over the last fourteen days, Marin experienced five suspected overdose deaths related to fentanyl, which is an approximately fourfold increase in the usual rate, according to county health officials.  

"These last five have all been related to fentanyl and all have been among people who are using multiple substances at once, and so one of our primary concerns is that this may be a contamination issue," said Dr. Matt Willis, Marin County public health officer.

Due to the cluster of overdose deaths, the county sent out an alert to local clinicians and those who serve people who use substances.

"Since February 14, preliminary toxicology suggests the victims ingested fentanyl in combination with methamphetamine," reads the public health advisory sent out Friday. 

Rory Rieger, who heads up behavioral health services at The Ritter Center in San Rafael, said the county's homeless population was particularly vulnerable to overdoses of drugs laced with fentanyl. 

"There are substances like methamphetamine and cocaine that help people stay up so they can keep themselves safe," said Rieger.

The non-profit offers a free vending machine stocked with narcan, fentanyl testing strips, and other harm-reduction supplies. It also provides a range of free services to the county’s homeless population, including substance-use treatment.

"A newer approach that we have is contingency management, or what also is referred to as recovery incentives, which is a regular drug screen that builds in incentivizing people to reduce or eliminate their methamphetamine or amphetamine use."

The county said there have been increases in these substances found in wastewater and there has been an increase of calls to 911 for non-fatal overdoses.  

"Spikes in fentanyl-related deaths may be due to increased concentration and intentional use of fentanyl or increased contamination of fentanyl in other substances," said the county health department.  

Drug overdoses are the leading cause of death for people under 55 in Marin County.  

Providers who work with people who use drugs are asked to share the following with them: 
   
   -Keep Narcan handy and remember that you might need to use multiple doses. You can get Narcan free at odfreemarin.org/narcan/. 
   -Test drugs before using. Fentanyl strips are available at the Ritter Center in San Rafael.  
   -"Start low and go slow," meaning start with a low dose.
   -Do not use drugs alone. If no one will be close by while you are using, call Never Use Alone at (800) 484-3731.  
   -For treatment options, call the Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Access Line 24/7 at (888) 818-1115.  

Bay City News contributed to this report.