Opioid issue in Ocala getting worse, as overdoses increase

Ocala's opioid epidemic is getting worse.

Ocala Police Chief Graham told the Ocala Star Banner that this year alone, they have seen 109 overdoses and 14 deaths. He says the problem is a public health issue that needs more treatment options.

“The problem is bad. It’s not getting better and I don’t see it getting better any time soon, but the more we talk about it the better off we’re going to be,” said Ocala Police Chief Greg Graham, according to the Ocala Star Banner.

Ocala police officers began carrying the opioid antidote naloxone, sold under the name Narcan, in January. The drug reverses the effects of opioids. The Ocala Star Banner says that officers used the Narcan 25 times as of Wednesday.

Last year, there was 80 overdoes in Ocala, with 16 resulting in death, says the Ocala Star Banner.