Nearly 40 people died in Broome County as a result of drug overdoses during the first half of the year.

A report released Monday indicated more people died of confirmed overdoses from January through June compared to the first six months of last year.

According to the information provided by the office of Broome County District Attorney Stephen Cornwell, 39 drug-related deaths occurred in the first half of 2017. 36 confirmed overdose deaths were reported in the first half of 2016.

The report indicated 82 percent of the overdose deaths so far this year were linked to heroin or opioids.

Until recently, Broome County officials would not routinely make public information regarding the number of people who died as the result of drug overdoses. But after a news conference during which government and law enforcement officials could not say how many deaths had occurred, Cornwell directed county coroners to notify him of all suspected overdose deaths.

The district attorney's report revealed 36 percent of the drug overdose deaths during the first half of this year happened in the city of Binghamton. 18 percent of the deaths occurred in the village of Johnson City.

Binghamton fire medics prepare to assist patients following suspected drug overdoses. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
Binghamton fire medics prepare to assist patients following suspected drug overdoses. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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