Calhoun Co. reports fewer people died from overdoses last year

CALHOUN COUNTY, Ala. (WBRC) - Fewer people are dying and leaders with the Agency for Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP) say it’s about providing resources to help and educate the community.

Executive Director Seyram Selase of ASAP says part of fighting addiction is making those connections within the community.

Calhoun County has gone from 55 overdose deaths to 27 in 2024. ASAP was able to connect the community with vital resources and assistance they needed.

Selase says his agency continues to see young adults and their struggles with opioids and fentanyl. He says by continuing to raise awareness, it could save someone from taking that one pill that could be deadly.

“Even a pinch of fentanyl can kill someone. So, we really want people to be aware these aren’t your typical drug dealers anymore. They evidently want you off this planet and we think that as long as people are more aware that one pill can kill, fentanyl is being laced in everything that we can see further reductions in these numbers,” said Selase.

If you need help or looking for a substance prevention program, please visit the Agency for Substance Abuse Prevention.

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