COLUMBUS, Ohio (WTVN)--Franklin County Coroner, Dr. Anahi Ortiz, joined other public health and safety officials from across Columbus and Franklin County Wednesday to discuss the alarming spike in homicides, suicides, and overdose deaths to begin the calendar year 2020.
Dr. Ortiz says homicides and suicides are both up 40%, compared to the start of 2019, with overdose death up 45%.
She adds most of the overdose deaths are of white men, between the ages of 25 and 54, and most of the homicides victims are young black men.
Experts say deaths by suicide are preventable. That National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 1-800-273-8255.
As for getting help, Dr. ortiz says the county and city of Columbus have multiple resources to help those with addiction, and if anyone knows someone who is addicted to drugs, to carry naloxone in case of emergency, and to call 9-1-1 immediately.