NH Heroin Overdose Deaths Near 2013 Total

New Hampshire has already had almost as many heroin deaths as all of 2013 and officials say better enforcement, treatment and prevention is needed to reverse the spiral.

New Hampshire has already had almost as many heroin deaths as all of 2013 and officials say better enforcement, treatment and prevention is needed to reverse the spiral.

Public Safety Commissioner John Barthelmes says the heroin problem is "an epidemic of addiction."

The state medical examiner's office says 70 people died in 2013 of overdoses of heroin. Chief forensic investigator Kim Fallon says the number of overdose deaths now stands at 65, with at least 70 others suspected to be linked to heroin. Those are awaiting toxicology results before the cause is confirmed.

Barthelmes says the attack on heroin needs to be three-pronged: enforcement, prevention and treatment.

One option being considered is giving more first responders and the family members of addicts access to a drug that counters overdoses.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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