Berkeley County Overdose rate spikes in October

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — Overdose rates saw a sharp increase in the month of October.

Community Recovery Services Coordinator for Berkeley County Kevin Knowles said on Panhandle Live Tuesday it is likely due to a bad batch of heroin.

Data on any given months is not typically available until half way through the following month, which Knowles says makes responding difficult.

“We’re trying to find ways to get the word out there quicker, faster so that there’s more real time information available for people,” he said.

Knowles is set to present specific numbers from October to the County Council during their meeting Thursday.

October saw the highest number of overdoses and overdose deaths so far this year.