Fatal Fentanyl: A look at the crisis in Hall County - Gainesville Times

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Fatal Fentanyl: A look at the crisis in Hall County

This undated file photo provided by the U.S. Attorneys Office for Utah and introduced as evidence at a trial shows fentanyl-laced fake oxycodone pills collected during an investigation. Accidental overdoses contribute to 90 percent of all U.S. opioid-related deaths. - photo by Associated Press

062023 fentanyl — This undated file photo provided by the U.S. Attorneys Office for Utah and introduced as evidence at a trial shows fentanyl-laced fake oxycodone pills collected during an investigation. Accidental overdoses contribute to 90 percent of all U.S. opioid-related deaths. - photo by Associated Press

In early 2022, it seemed like there was roughly one fatal overdose a week from fentanyl. Gainesville Police Chief Jay Parrish said. Of 69 fatal overdoses in 2022, 57 were attributed to fentanyl.

“If we had that many deaths that were classified as a homicide, we would be in an uproar,” the chief told The Times.

This series focuses on the different sides of fentanyl: law enforcement, legislators, survivors, peer advocates, doctors and the loved ones left behind.

Their sentiments are the same: Something needs to be done.

Part 1: Why law enforcement say 'The deadliness of this drug....is understated'

Part 2: A $200-a-day habit that almost killed him: These are the stories of those affected by fentanyl

Part 3: This is what the recovery community and lawmakers are doing to tackle fentanyl crisis