The Centers for Disease Control is warning about an increase in heroin use and overdose in the Midwest and across the country, as a new federal study reports that heroin-related deaths have tripled since 2010. The national report also found that most deaths from the highly addictive drug occurred among while males age 18 to 44, based on 2013 statistics.

The Indiana State Department of Health says statewide numbers match the national trend. Counties across the Hoosier state are trying to fight the problem. Marion county had 154 heroin overdose deaths last year and Tippecanoe county has seen seven heroin overdoses in just the past two weeks, five of which were fatal.

Tippecanoe county coroner Donna Avolt is concerned about the trend and feels authorities and the public can’t afford to ignore it.

“It’s not just a segment of society that we would prefer not to think about, but it’s crossing all borders. It truly is,” Avolt said.

Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services has already treated 135 heroin overdose cases this year.

“These are street drugs that people are getting from who knows where,” stated Carl Rochelle with Indianapolis EMS. “So you don’t know what’s in there, what it’s cut with and what the concentration is.”

The public is urged to be aware of the dangers of heroin and to immediately call 911 if they are concerned that someone they know may be experiencing an overdose.

Source: WISH TV