UTICA, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) — The Oneida County Overdose Response Team has issued an overdose spike alert on Monday, August 14 after a large number of overdoses were reported over the past weekend alone.

Over the weekend, nine overdoses were reported — seven of those in Utica with one of those resulting in a fatality. In total, 14 overdoses have been reported in the first half of the month of August. The other five incidents also occurred in the cities of Rome and Utica.

In all nine cases over the weekend, heroin and methamphetamine are suspected to have been used in the overdoses, including other drugs that have yet to be identified. Officials with the Overdose Response Team also believe that fentanyl was also a factor. In the case of the fatality — which was reported to be in the City of Utica — the drug used was unknown.

Naxolone was administered in all 13 non-fatal incidents by bystanders and first responders.

The Overdose Response Team reminds individuals using all drugs to take harm reduction precautions to avoid overdoses and fatalities. This includes carrying naloxone, fentanyl test strips and never using alone. If users need further help, they are encouraged to access the Never Use Alone Hotline at 1-800-484-3731.

The team also encouraged people seeking treatment and recovery services to access those programs by dialing 211. The team also reminded users that Narcan is available by mail through the Oneida County Health Department by visiting the Oneida County Opioid Task Force website at www.ocopioidtaskforce.org.

Free, anonymous, 24/7 access to naloxone, fentanyl test strips and other wellness supplies are also available at the Public Health kiosk at the Giotto Center on Oswego Street in Utica.