The Grand Forks Police Department has reported an increase in opioid overdoses in the Grand Forks area in 2021. Year to date, there have been 37 suspected drug overdoses and 3 opioid overdose deaths in the City of Grand Forks, according to Police data. In addition, Grand Forks Police Department has administered naloxone, the antidote to opioid overdose, 19 times this year. Grand Forks Fire Department has administered naloxone 8 times this year. The increase in overdoses has been driven, in part, by the prevalence of counterfeit pills appearing to be 30 mg oxycodone tablets, which contain fentanyl and fentanyl analogues.
“Counterfeit tablets have become increasingly common in the illicit drug trade,” said Opioid Response Coordinator, Michael Dulitz. “As pharmaceutical opioids become harder to get, many illicit producers are trying to sell counterfeit pills as pharmaceutical opioids. Unfortunately, most of these illicit pills are made of other opioids, such as fentanyl, and vary widely in their dosage.”
In light of this increase, Grand Forks Public Health reminds anyone with illicitly purchased drugs to avoid their use, and if they are used, to follow these suggestions:
Do not use substances alone.
Carry naloxone, and teach your loved ones how to use it. Naloxone can be obtained at no cost in Grand Forks from:
- Inspire Pharmacy
- Thrifty White Pharmacy
- The APC Project SSP, or by texting (701) 335-6051
- Never assume what a pill has in it based on the imprints or based on past use. Composition can vary widely from pill to pill, due to clumping of substances.
- If you are having trouble with addiction or dependence, reach out for help – local resources include, but are not limited to:
- Spectra Health – 701-757-2100
- Agassiz Associates – 701-746-6336
- North Dakota 211
- RiverView Recovery Center – 701-740-3606
