Sangamon County sees spike in accidental overdose deaths

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Since 2019, the number of deaths from accidental overdoses in Sangamon County has increased by an average of 12 people a year. Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon says 2023 will beat the 2022 year record of 74 deaths.

These numbers have escalated aggressively since Allmon started as Deputy Coroner in 2003. In fact, Allmon says accidental overdoses were basically non-existent then.

"Opiate use has really gone up significantly over the years," said Allmon. "Accidental overdoses are classified as accidents, because the people that do this don't intend to pass away. They intend to use as they've done many other times."

These overdose deaths are impacting people of many different demographics, regardless of race, age, gender, or socioeconomic status. Allmon has seen many people you would not expect to be drug users, dying from overdose.

"We talk to families and they said, 'Well, he doesn't use fentanyl, he doesn't use that. He uses methamphetamine or cocaine," said Allmon. "But last week, we pulled what the person thought was crack cocaine out of a deceased person's pocket who passed away, probably from an accidental overdose, and it field tested positive for both cocaine and fentanyl. So that's that's what we're seeing a lot."

Allmon says he is trying his best to combat these overdoses, but even with an increase in harm reduction steps, numbers are going up. He encourages people to keep Narcan on hand, and to use fentanyl test strips.

"A lot of us are just left scratching our heads when it comes to this and we're willing to try anything at this point," said Allmon. "You know our numbers are going in the wrong direction and we're desperate. We really are."

So far this year, there are have been 64 accidental overdose deaths. There are 10 cases pending. The final number of accidental overdose deaths for 2023 will be released in mid-February.