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Nearly a dozen people die of suspected overdoses during Thanksgiving

Delaware Public Media

Nearly a dozen people in Delaware died of suspected drug overdoses during the Thanksgiving holiday.

The Department of Health and Social Services is urging people with addiction issues to seek treatment.

Since Nov. 22, eight of the overdose deaths happened in New Castle County, while three deaths were reported in both Kent and Sussex counties.

The current number of overdose deaths for the year stands at 215. More than 300 died in 2016.

Health and Social Services Secretary Kara Odom Walker said the holidays can be stressful and trigger substance use.

Delaware is holding three addiction-related community sessions where people can talk to treatment experts. The first one is Thursday at Delaware Tech’s Dover campus. The next is at West End Neighborhood House in Wilmington on Dec. 6th. The final one is Dec. 14th at Delaware Tech in Georgetown. The sessions all run from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

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