The Delaware State Police and the Delaware Department of Health and Human Services are issuing an urgent safety advisory

DEL. – The Delaware State Police (DSP) and the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) continue to push for increased awareness following a surge of suspected overdoses in Sussex County over the past week. DHSS reports today that they are now seeing cases in Kent County requiring intubation and a level of care seen in Sussex during the recent overdose peak, as well as a suspected overdose-related fatality.

Since April 26, there have been 42 suspected overdoses in Kent County. Suspected overdoses in Kent County were not included in previous safety updates. However, data is now included because recent activity in Kent County shows similarities to activity in Sussex County.

Between April 26 and May 3, 2024, troopers recorded a significant increase in the number of suspected overdoses and severity of emergencies in Sussex. To date, there have been 83 suspected overdoses in Sussex County. Toxicology tests are underway to confirm two more suspected overdose deaths, bringing the total of suspected overdose deaths in the same period for the counties of Kent and Sussex to five.

“We are seeing an increased number of patients being treated for suspected overdose, but most importantly a significant increase in the severity of the consequences of overdoses,” said Joanna Champney, director of Delaware’s Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health. “This severity is reflected in a higher percentage of patients requiring admission, with many of them requiring intubation, ICU-level care and multiple days in the hospital.”

While the majority of suspected overdoses have occurred in the greater Georgetown, Millsboro and Milford area, incidents are occurring throughout Sussex County. The locations are listed in no particular order and do not include all suspected overdoses.

DSP called in the Delaware National Guard to conduct testing on a sample of the drugs found in those who overdosed on Wednesday, May 1, to determine the composition of the substance. The Delaware National Guard’s 31st Civilian Support Team has the capability to test for a broad spectrum of chemicals. The first samples showed packages containing Xylazine, Bromazolam, Fentanyl, Quinine and Caffeine.

DHSS and DSP urge the public to exercise extreme caution, refrain from consuming unknown substances and avoid illegal drugs altogether. Individuals struggling with substance abuse are encouraged to seek immediate help from medical professionals or addiction treatment services. To help those in need, DHSS offers several options for support:

• 911: In the event of an overdose or medical emergency, please call or text 911.
• Delaware 211: Call 2-1-1 or visit delaware211.org for free, confidential help in multiple languages.
• Delaware Hopeline: Call 1-833-9-HOPEDE (1-833-946-7333) for 24/7 access to resources, support and crisis assistance.
• Bridge clinics: Discover treatment services and resources in Delaware and neighboring states. In-person assessments are available at locations in New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties.
• Treatment compound: Find nearby practitioners at TreatmentConnection.com.
• 988: Call 988 for immediate crisis support.
• Narcan Training and OpiRescueDE app: Information about Narcan training and medication access is available online.