How Bend first responders, Deschutes County Health Services are adapting to the rising demands of fentanyl crisis

(Update: adding video and comment from first responders and Deschutes County Health)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- With four people in Bend reported to have fentanyl overdoses in just six hours Tuesday -- all saved by first responders' use of Narcan -- resources among the agencies involved are increasingly being spread thin, but stepping up efforts to combat the problem through greater awareness and preparedness.

The increase in overdoses in Deschutes County has been ramping up over the last few years. In 2023, there were more than 150 fentanyl overdoses reported in the county, according to Deschutes County Health Services.

Central Oregon has seen a sharp increase in the amount of overdoses in the past year.  According to the most recent data by Deschutes County Health Services and the Medical Examiners office, there have been seven suspected fatal overdoses in January, and a total of 11 since December.

Final data from 2023 is unavailable as experts process all the information, but Deschutes County Health Services actively collaborates with the Medical Examiners Office and is able to get real-time data.

According to Jess Neuwirth, the Deschutes County supervisor of the Substance Misuse & Problem Gambling Prevention Program, "In 2022, we saw 25 overdose fatalities in Deschutes County. For context, Portland saw 200. And then across the state, we saw almost 1,400, so comparatively low to both the region and the state."

Data from 2022 shows that there were 244 people who received care for overdoses at Deschutes County's emergency departments. It's important to note, most overdoses don't result in death, thanks largely to Narcan, the reversal drug. However, according to Bend Fire and Rescue, the increase in overdoses has taxed their resources. 

Drew Norris, the agency's deputy EMS chief, said, "When we see an overdose, especially two or three at a time, it takes two to three agencies, four to five fire trucks. It keeps the rest of the district pretty thin for a while, and we'll have to request mutual aid through Redmond, Sunriver, Sisters or places like that to help come into our district, to help cover those emergency calls that come in, -- and which also leaves them thin in their communities."

Norris also noted that they are in the very early stages of creating a new program, partnering with Deschutes County Health Services to further deter overdoses in Deschutes County.

The program would mimic a "hope kit," including a vial of Narcan, fentanyl test strips educational material on opioids and resources with where to get help. He said its their hope that they would give them to individuals who are high users or who suffered an overdose and were now okay, but reluctant to visit a hospital,

Most overdoses are not fatal, according to Deschutes County Health Services, and administering Narcan sooner can be the difference between life and death. Neuwirth had this message, asking that people "carry Narcan. It’s small. It's easy to carry. You can find it at most local pharmacies."

Bend Police play a role in deterring the overdose fatalities, as they began carrying Narcan on calls in 2016. 

"The same way that we carry a first aid kit, the same way that we carry a tourniquet," Communications Manager Sheila Miller said. "Having Narcan on hand allows us to provide that immediate lifesaving care when necessary.”

Norris noted, "Police officers in the city carry a defibrillator with them and Narcan. So a lot of the times they're able to administer Narcan prior to our arrival" -- which can make all the difference.

According to first responders and the county, much of the concern with the rise in overdoses is centered around the idea that more common drugs are being cut with more dangerous drugs.

Chief Norris said, "You think you might be getting one drug, and it's laced with another, such as fentanyl, That's where we see a lot of these overdoses.”

Neuwirth also advised to "assume any substance purchase on the street or online has something else in it."

Generally, many assume that overdoses only effect those in the homeless community. According to Deschutes County Health, more than half of the overdose fatalities occur to people with permanent housing, usually because they’re doing a different drug that happens to be laced with something more dangerous, such as fentanyl.

While fentanyl and other synthetic opioids represent an emerging threat, substance use is not a new issue, and Health Services programs have been connecting with and helping community members for years.

Health Services substance use response can be divided into four categories: prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery. 

• Primary prevention: Primary prevention strategies for substance use introduces protective factors across critical periods and settings in a person’s life to mitigate against and decrease the risk of individuals engaging in substance use. 
• Harm Reduction: Harm reduction measures aim to support people with substance use disorders and mitigate additional harm from addiction. 
• Treatment & Recovery Support: DCHS provides substance use disorder services to children, youth, adults, and their families. Expanded services in 2023 utilizing M110 funds to provide additional adult screening and counseling, and youth recovery services.  

Deschutes County has established the Overdose Prevention and Response Coordination Team, which convenes bi-weekly to expand partnerships, improve data and surveillance from numerous sources, mobilize partners to inform and assist in the county’s response to both fatal and non-fatal overdose cases. It also coordinates response activities, directs accurate and consistent messaging, and organizes resource assessment.

As part of that effort, the Overdose Review Board monitors and identifies changes in substance-related fatal and non-fatal overdoses. The board acts as the operation center for overdose spikes.

Call 911 in an emergency. You are protected from drug-related charges through the Good Samaritan Law.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with drug or alcohol use, get help:

Drug and Alcohol Helpline: (800) 923-4357) or Text: ‘Recovery Now’ to 839863. Help line for individuals and family members seeking crisis intervention, treatment referral, and chemical-dependency information. linesforlife.org/alcohol-and-drug-helpline

Youth Crisis line: (877) 968-8491 Text: ‘teen2teen’ to 839863.

A teen-to-teen crisis and helpline for youth and teens. Teens available to help daily from 4:00pm-10:00pm (off-hour calls are answered by the crisis line) oregonyouthline.org

Access to resources and other information can be found at www.deschutes.org/stopoverdose.