Seven People Overdose In Two Hours In Carroll County Friday

CARROLL COUNTY, Md (WJZ) -- The Carroll County Health Department says seven people were found to have overdosed on Friday within a two-hour time span.

Carroll County Health Department says the overdoses happened between 10 a.m. and 12 noon Friday. The health department says this high frequency of drug overdoses within a short period of time often means that the illegal and prescription drugs currently being sold are more likely to cause an overdose or even death.

High-potency drugs may lead to an overdose even when used in small amounts. The Carroll County Health Department did not say which kinds of drugs the seven overdoses were from.

County Health Officer Ed Singer tells our media partner, The Baltimore Sun that it's the first time he remembers "having seven people show up to the hospital in such a short period of time."

Linda Auerback is substance abuse supervisor for the Carroll County Health Department. She tells The Sun that as of Friday afternoon, no had died as a result of the overdoses, but couldn't provide additional information. Auerback says the all of the overdoses occurred within the Westminster area -- with at least four occurring within city limits.

Carroll County Sherriff Jim DeWees says the Drug Enforcement Administration put out a bulletin earlier that there was a bad batch of heroin coming out of West Baltimore. His deputies are investigating whether it is linked to the overdoses, he said.

Those who find themselves with someone who has overdosed is asked to call 911. And anyone who finds themselves with someone who has overdosed from opioids can administer naloxone if they are trained.

Those who need help with drug treatment can call 410-876-4800. Or, for more information about resources, call 410-876-4803.