Heroin deaths rise in Monroe County

Monroe County Coroner Nicole Meyer can document that heroin-related deaths are on the rise. Of the estimated 16 drug-overdose related deaths so far this year, seven were heroin-based.

Heroin users died in Monroe County this year on June 25, June 17, May 31 and May 11. And on April 20, April 18 and March 2. Five men and two women, ranging in age from 25 to 52.

“We are seeing a lot more accidental drug deaths, a definite increase, not just from heroin but prescription drugs as well,” Meyer said. “I have way more drug overdose deaths than deaths by car accidents.”

Heroin overdoses that land people in the IU Health Bloomington Hospital emergency room have increased from nine in 2012 to 48 in 2014. During the first six months of this year, the number was 37. Half of those seeking help at Bloomington’s Amethyst House treatment center use heroin.

A few examples

From Bloomington Police Department reports in recent months:

• July 27, 4:50 p.m.: An ambulance transported a homeless 28-year-old man from America’s Best Value Inn on North Walnut Street to IU Health Bloomington Hospital after he injected heroin and passed out. He later told police he had purchased the heroin in the parking lot. Police found fresh needles in the motel room.