Report Released on Broome Overdose Deaths in 2017
A review of deaths in Broome County has confirmed that several dozen residents died as the result of drug overdoses last year.
The report released Wednesday by District Attorney Stephen Cornwell indicated 66 overdose deaths had been counted in the county in 2017. The number of fatal overdoses in the county in 2016 was previously reported to be 76.
Of the cases reviewed, 62 of the deaths were attributed to heroin or opioids. Other drugs were involved in four deaths.
February - the shortest month of the year - had the most confirmed drug overdose deaths with 11.
The report was prepared by reviewing death certificates and official reports. Interviews also were conducted with addicts and relatives of those who died.
Broome County government had withheld information regarding the number of heroin-related deaths. But Cornwell began an effort to compile statistics on fatal overdoses after elected and law enforcement officials were unable to say how many people had died of overdoses when the question came up during a news conference.
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