10/6/17 – 4:54 A.M.

The number of overdose deaths in Hancock County continues to rise. Hancock Public Health says 13 people have died from opioid overdoses so far this year. Toxicology reports are pending on 11 other deaths. In 2016, 19 people died from overdoses in Hancock County.

Of the 13 deaths, the powerful painkiller Fentanyl contributed to nine of them. Carfentanil accounted for four deaths. Carfentanil is 100 times more powerful than Fentanyl. Veterinarians use it to sedate large animals like elephants.

Overall, Blanchard Valley Hospital has treated 240 overdose cases this year.