31-03-2025
Denver health department tracking increase in nonfatal overdoses
DENVER (KDVR) — The number of nonfatal overdoses in the metro area is on the rise, according to the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment, which looked at data from local emergency departments.
However, the Denver Office of the Medical Examiner is also investigating a number of deaths suspected to be overdoses, although toxicological screenings were pending for the cases as of March 26. DDPHE told FOX31 that so far in 2025, the medical examiner has not seen carfentanil or nitazenes in toxicology decedents.
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However, an addiction treatment center in Aurora told FOX31's Matt Mauro that isotonitazene is becoming more common in their work. The drug is 40 to 50 times more powerful than fentanyl.
'When we start to see these higher potency opioids, we are also seeing that standard dose of Narcan isn't enough,' said Jason Valderrama, a physician assistant in Loveland. 'People are needing to get multiple rounds, multiple doses of the Narcan in order to counteract the stronger opioid.'
DDPHE's strategy to combat drug overdoses includes drug testing and data sharing, access to harm reduction supplies and treatment.
'It's important to stress that any illicit substance is inherently unsafe because it is not produced by pharmaceutical companies with stringent regulations,' DDPHE said. 'Consequently, the potency of illicit substances can vary widely, and paired with a drug user's tolerance or intolerance, can contribute to overdose risk. Because of this, we caution anyone who uses illicit substances of the danger involved and to always be as safe as possible.'
The department encourages residents to carry naloxone and encourages drug users to test their drugs and know how to administer rescue breaths if the situation calls for it.
DDPHE has more information about harm reduction strategies on its overdose prevention website.
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