MEDICAL EXAMINER’S OFFICE

For Immediate Release

October 13, 2020
Contact: Christopher Harris, (216) 443-7157; cbharris@cuyahogacounty.us

Medical Examiner: 19 Overdose Deaths in the Past Week

Includes 11 Deaths Over the Holiday Weekend

CLEVELAND – Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner Dr. Thomas Gilson, today issued a public health alert,
stating that Cuyahoga County has suffered at least 19 suspected overdose deaths in the past week.
Additionally, 11 of these deaths occurred over the holiday weekend. Toxicology testing has not yet
confirmed which drug(s) have caused this recent increase. At our current overdose mortality rate, we
estimate we will suffer at least 600 drug-related deaths this year.

“It is regrettable to see a spike in drug overdose deaths with everything else that is going on,” said
Dr. Gilson. “Naloxone kits and fentanyl test strips can help prevent overdoses, though our hope is
for our addicted neighbors to find their way into recovery.”

Case City Death Death Death Race Hispanic Gender Age

Date Date Date
Month Day Year
IN2020-01801 Cleveland 10 06 2020 White No Female 32 years

IN2020-01802 Northfield 10 06 2020 White No Female 52 years

IN2020-01806 Lakewood 10 06 2020 White No Male 26 years

IN2020-01807 Cleveland 10 06 2020 Black No Male 41 years

IN2020-01811 Cleveland 10 07 2020 White No Male 70 years

IN2020-01812 Unknown 10 06 2020 White No Male 59 years

IN2020-01820 Cleveland 10 08 2020 White No Male 45 years

IN2020-01823 Parkersburg 10 08 2020 White No Male 56 years

IN2020-01826 Cleveland 10 09 2020 White No Male 56 years

IN2020-01828 Cleveland 10 09 2020 Black No Male 30 years

IN2020-01831 Maple Heights 10 09 2020 Black No Female 49 years

IN2020-01836 Garfield Heights 10 10 2020 White No Female 42 years

IN2020-01838 Unknown 10 10 2020 Black No Female 29 years

IN2020-01843 Cleveland 10 10 2020 Black No Male 58 years

IN2020-01844 Cleveland 10 10 2020 White No Male 37 years

IN2020-01849 Cleveland Heights 10 11 2020 Black No Male 34 years

IN2020-01851 Cleveland 10 11 2020 Black No Female 50 years

11001 Cedar Avenue | Cleveland, OH 44106 | 216.721.5610

Ohio Relay Service 711 | www.onecuyahoga.com
 MEDICAL EXAMINER’S OFFICE

IN2020-01854 Cleveland 10 11 2020 White No Female 58 years

IN2020-01858 Cleveland 10 12 2020 White Yes Male 46 years

FREE fentanyl test strips are available at the following locations:

• Circle Health Services (12201 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106 | 216.721.4010)
• Care Alliance Clinic (2916 Central Avenue Cleveland, OH 44115 | 216.535.9100)
• Care Alliance Clinic (1530 St. Clair Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44114 | 216.781.6724)
• MetroHealth – Mobile Unit (3370 W.25th Street, Cleveland, OH 44109)

If you or anyone that you know is actively using or recovering from opioid addiction, contact Project
DAWN for information at 216-778-5677. Eligible program participants, are given FREE Naloxone kits –
the opioid reversing antidote.

Additionally, the Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board of Cuyahoga
County provides a 24-hour crisis hotline at 216-623-6888.

11001 Cedar Avenue | Cleveland, OH 44106 | 216.721.5610

Ohio Relay Service 711 | www.onecuyahoga.com