PORTSMOUTH, OH — Two recent calls highlight the ongoing impact of addiction and drug use in the community, with first responders administering life-saving medication in one case and residents raising concerns about discarded syringes in another.
🚑 Overdose at Church
Police and EMS were called to Holy Redeemer Church after reports of an overdose.
When officers arrived, they found a woman suffering from what appeared to be an overdose and administered Narcan, the opioid reversal medication credited with saving thousands of lives across Ohio.
The woman regained responsiveness and agreed to be transported to Southern Ohio Medical Center for treatment.
The incident serves as another reminder of how frequently police officers are called upon to act as first responders in overdose situations, often arriving before an ambulance.
💉 Syringes Left in a Neighborhood Trash Can
In a separate call, a Portsmouth resident contacted police after discovering what he believed were used syringes in his trash can.
The caller reported that a red sports car carrying two people had stopped near the can and allegedly discarded the needles before driving away.
When officers spoke with the man, he said he wanted the incident documented but had little information about the individuals involved.
Police advised him that without identifying information or additional evidence, there was little they could do from a criminal enforcement standpoint.
Officers suggested he keep the trash container closer to his home rather than near the street.
⚠️ The Hidden Danger of Discarded Needles
While the second incident may seem minor compared to an overdose, discarded syringes create legitimate public safety concerns.
Used needles can pose risks to:
- Sanitation workers
- Children
- Pet owners
- Property owners
- Anyone handling trash or debris
Health officials recommend never picking up a syringe with bare hands and contacting local authorities or health officials if large numbers are found.
❗ Two Different Calls, Same Underlying Problem
One call ended with Narcan and a trip to the hospital.
The other ended with a complaint about needles left behind in a neighborhood.
But both point to the same reality:
The opioid epidemic doesn’t just show up in emergency rooms. It also appears in churches, parking lots, sidewalks, parks, trash cans, and countless other places where residents encounter the consequences of addiction in their daily lives.
