The Alliance of Substance Abuse Progress (ASAP), the Columbus Police Department, the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department, and the Columbus Mayor’s office issued a joint warning to citizens of Bartholomew County due to a recent spike in overdose deaths.

During the first four months of 2021, the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office and Columbus Police Department have responded to more drug overdoses and “suspected” overdoses than during this same time period in previous years.

“With overdose numbers rising, we feel the public should exercise extreme caution when it comes to substances and carry NARCAN® as a lifesaving precaution,” said Doug Leonard, Executive Director of ASAP.

NARCAN®, a opioid overdose reversal, is available with no questions asked at the ASAP Hub, located at the Doug Otto United Way Center, 1531 13th Street.

“Pure fentanyl is being purchased in lieu of other drugs like heroin, as well as being added to other substances”, said Bartholomew County Sheriff Matthew A. Myers. “Each and every time fentanyl is used, whether intentional or unintentional, a life is at risk,” added Myers.

“Fentanyl is 50 - 100 times more potent than morphine and 25-50 times more potent than heroin,” Columbus Chief of Police Mike Richardson said.

“There is nothing more important than the safety of our citizens,” said Columbus Mayor Jim Lienhoop. “We want you to take great caution and to know that ASAP is there to help if you are ready to make a change.”

The Alliance for Substance Abuse Progress (ASAP) leads the effort to identify and establish system-wide solutions to substance misuse and substance use disorders. It is a partner in advocacy, education and support for the health of our community and every person in it.