Oneida County has seen an uptick in overdose fatalities over the past week, prompting the second overdose spike alert in as many weeks.

Five individuals died in the last seven days from overdoses associated with heroin.

Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol says these numbers are unprecedented.

"It's very unfortunate, because there's a lot going on right now," said Maciol. "To see that many, that's the most we've ever had in a single spike alert since the opioid task force has been established."

And after last week’s spike alert, which included 20 overdoses and two deaths in the span of 14 days, the sheriff believes the community has a new batch of heroin.

"Obviously we're dealing with a much more potent situation right now, because you rarely get that many overdoses in such a short period of time,” Maciol said.

During the coronavirus pandemic, agencies across the county have adapted to continue helping those impacted by drugs.

"Including Narcan training online, which in the past you had to do in person in order to dispense the Narcan, they've had mobile drop-off or mail-in on Narcan from some of our agencies,” said Oneida County Health Department Director Phyllis Ellis.

Advocate groups are providing virtual peer recovery support, substance use telehealth and inpatient and outpatient treatment with COVID-19 telephone prescreening.

More information about what services are available, and where can be found, can be seen below: