State police issue a warning about an ‘exceptionally deadly’ heroin
Police are warning the public about “Hollywood’’ heroin, which has taken several lives in Hampden County.
Eight people overdosed on heroin in Hampden County in the past week and police believe an especially dangerous “Hollywood’’ heroin is to blame.
The deaths have prompted police to post a “Hampden County Heroin Overdose Warning’’ on social media.
“All heroin is poison,’’ wrote police in the warning. “For reasons still to be determined, the heroin being sold under that stamp has proven exceptionally deadly in recent days.’’
Heroin overdoses nationwide have tripled since 2010, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The US saw a record number of drug overdose deaths in 2014—a 14 percent increase in one year. Between 2000 and 2014, nearly half a million Americans died from drug overdoses. And, according to the CDC, increases in overdose deaths from opioid pain relievers and heroin are the biggest causes of the drug overdose epidemic.
Of the eight Hampden County overdoses in Holyoke and Chicopee, three took place on New Year’s Day, said police. Officials are investigating the source of the heroin.
“We urge anyone using heroin or any illicit drug to seek medical help/counseling,’’ wrote police. “There are many resources available to those fighting addiction.’’
The Massachusetts Substance Abuse Information and Education Helpline provides free and confidential information and is staffed seven days a week. Call 1-800-327-5050 for help or go to www.helpline-online.com.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com