Lowell issues warning following four fatal overdoses in 12 hours

LOWELL -- After seeing four fatal overdoses in the last 12 hours, city public safety officials are warning the region about an especially deadly batch of fentanyl that appears to be making its way through the region.

This is the second time in just over a month, and the third time ever, that a surge in overdoses has prompted the city to issue public warnings about a particularly lethal batch of opioids in the hopes that drug users and their loved ones will take extra precautions.

"We strongly urge people not to use opiates, but if you or your loved one is suffering from addiction please be extra vigilant in the coming days," Lowell fire Chief Jeffrey Winward wrote in a statement issued Thursday morning. "Do not use alone, check on your loved ones frequently if they may be using opiates, and call 911 immediately if you witness an overdose."

Anyone seeking assistance entering a detox or recovery program is asked to call the Lowell Community Opioid Outreach Program at 978-631-7240 or Lowell House Inc. at 978-459-8656.

Read more: http://www.lowellsun.com/breakingnews/ci_31753263/city-issues-warning-following-four-fatal-overdoses-12#ixzz5AYByxYCy