According to a new report released by the Monroe County Office of the Medical Examiner, the number of heroin and fentanyl related deaths has gone up drastically in the county since 2011.

“These numbers are concerning," said Monroe County Public Health Commissioner Michael Mendoza. 

According to the study, there were to 220 deaths directly attributed to the use of heroin, fentanyl, or other related substances in Monroe County in 2017. The 220 deaths in 2017 were 51 more than in 2016, and 151 more than in 2015. 

“I know as a doctor we could be doing a better job of connecting people to better care and long term recovery, but we need people in our doors, said Mendoza. That`s one of the projects that we`ve undertaken through the Opioid Action plan is trying to meet people when they are in an acute situation.”

“Every day that goes by, it`s costing us our communities and our families,” said Gates Police Chief James VanBrederode. 

Chief VanBrederode expressed his disappointment with the county`s report via social media.  

VanBrederode says he wants the county to invest in additional detox beds for those battling with opioid addiction. He added that his frustration comes from having to send users to other counties in order to receive treatment. 

Monroe County`s health director says it`s not that simple. 

“Your risk of having a fatal overdose after detox is greater than your risk of having a fatal overdose beforehand, said Mendoza. You need to have something after the detox bed. While we look to expand access to detox beds, we actually have a greater responsibility within primary care and other settings to make sure we have a place for those individuals to land.” 

Mendoza says although the numbers in the new report are disappointing. He says the county continues to make strides in education and prevention to combat the opioid crisis.