2/19/18 – 5:04 A.M.

The number of confirmed drug overdoses from last year continues to climb. The Courier reports Hancock Public Health is now confirming 23 deaths in 2017. Even though 2017 is behind us, the number of overdoses could still climb. There are more suspected overdoses, but the coroner might not confirm them until the middle of this year due to backlogs.

Most of the overdose deaths stem from opioid abuse. Only two such deaths didn’t involve an opioid of any kind.

2017’s overdose numbers are at least eight above the final 2016 report. In 2015 there were 16 overdose deaths.

Fentanyl and the more potent carfentanil caused most of the overdose deaths in Hancock County last year.

MORE: The Courier