The Department of Health and Social Services is issuing a warning after an uptick in deaths from suspected overdoses statewide during a four-day span.
Eight people in Delaware died from suspected overdoses between Friday and Monday doubling the total for the month.
The deaths occurred in all three counties. The deceased included both men and women and their ages ranged from 20 to 60.
The Division of Forensic Science reports 167 deaths from suspected overdoses so far this year. 345 died from overdoses last year, the majority of which involved fentanyl.
Health officials urge those in active substance use to seek addiction treatment and to be sure they have access to the overdose antidote Naloxone.
Naloxone is available at many Delaware pharmacies without a prescription, or by attending community training through Brandywine Counseling and Community Services. Addiction treatment can be found at helpisherede.com.