By
Lydia Taylor
Ohio
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OHIO — The state documented a high number of drug overdose deaths in the first half of 2020, outpacing 2019 by nearly 20%. That's according to a new report from Harm Reduction Ohio, a Granville-based nonprofit which consists of a group of epidemiologists and other health professionals. The group claims to be the largest distributor of naloxone in the state, which is an opioid-overdose antidote.
Nineteen counties have already set records this year in terms of drug overdose deaths, according to data from the Ohio Department of Health. Overall, the state set new records for May, June and July compared to the past five years. The state recorded the most deaths it's ever had within a month in May, documenting 557 deaths.