Overdose deaths skyrocket among Latino, African American communities in Central Ohio

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX/WTTE) — Before the pandemic hit Central Ohio, overdose deaths were slowly rising. The Franklin County coroner said that number is skyrocketing and is worried it won’t be slowing down any time soon.

“Unfortunately, it looks like we have surpassed the 554 from last year by August of this year,” said the Franklin County Coroner Dr. Anahi Ortiz.

There has been a 65% increase in overdose fatalities compared to 2019, according to Ortiz.