© 2025 WEKU
NPR for Northern, Central and Eastern Kentucky
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Support WEKU and join the 1850 campaign for the future! 1,850 new supporters, each giving $10 monthly to keep WEKU strong. We are down to 1263 to go! Donate today!

Officials want to Investigate street drug makeup sooner to reduce ODs in Lexington

Fayette County Health Dept Harm Reduction Team Leader John Moses
Stu Johnson
Fayette County Health Dept Harm Reduction Team Leader John Moses

Fayette County health officials are working to find ways to address a spike in non-fatal drug overdoses in Lexington. Over a three-day period last week, 24 such overdoses were reported. Health Department Harm Reduction Team Leader John Moses said typically there might be 10 to 17 non-fatal overdoses in an entire week.

“We never know exactly what’s causing it or where it’s going because it’s constantly changing. But, it is my fear this trend is going to continue,” said Moses.

Moses said the reality is a fatal overdose offers more answers with a toxicology report. Moses noted the mixing of a horse tranquilizer along with fentanyl is a major issue in overdoses. He added getting more naloxone out to reverse the effects of an overdose is always key. Moses said there’s a new effort to identify drugs of choice.

“We are currently in the mix of putting together a research project that may help us identify what drugs are on the street within a week of testing residue,” said Moses.

In addition to more widely distributing the over-dose reversing drug Narcan, Moses said other suggestions are to not use alone, have someone nearby not using the same drug, don’t use drugs on top of other drugs. Moses said the overarching aim is to get at the root causes of drug use which can include poverty and domestic violence.

Here's more with John Moses with the Fayette County Health Department:

4JOHNMOSES2.mp3

** WEKU is working hard to be a leading source for public service, and fact-based journalism. Monthly supporters are the top funding source for this growing nonprofit news organization. Please join others in your community who support WEKU by making your donation.

Stu Johnson retired from WEKU in November, 2024 after reporting for the station for 40 years. Stu's primary beat was Lexington/Fayette government.
WEKU depends on support from those who view and listen to our content. There's no paywall here. Please support WEKU with your donation.
Related Content