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Fentanyl-related overdoses in Grant County have been on the rise for some time. Unfortunately, Grant County Coroner Craig Morrison predicts that 2023 will show an increase that could reach 40 overdose deaths from the drug if trends continue.

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Fentanyl crisis in Grant County
July 14, 2023 1:30 a.m.

Fentanyl crisis in Grant County

Local authorities express significant concern over fentanyl’s prevalence in the community.

EPHRATA – According to staff at the Grant County Jail, roughly 90% of detainees arrive with some substance abuse-related concern. Of those, roughly 70% have some level of dependency on fentanyl. The Grant County Morgue is seeing sadly similar increases. “We’re starting to see (fentanyl addiction) as a huge issue inside the jail,” said Grant County Sheriff’s Office Corrections Chief Deputy Phil Coats. “And, from what I’m hearing talking to some of the people that are withdrawing from it is that it is so severe that actual suicide rates have actually gone up in jails because they don’t want to have to deal (with withdrawals.) It hurts too much.” ...