Rhode Island's Department of Health has issued an alert of an increase in the number of drug overdoses statewide.
The agency says nearly 50 percent more overdoses were reported the week of May 21 to 27 than a typical week.
On the average week, hospitals report 29 overdoses. Last week, there were 44 reported, none of which were fatal.
Spokesman Joseph Wendelken says this is the first statewide alert, although alerts in certain regions happen multiple times a week.
The alert system was created in 2017 to keep first responders, policymakers and treatment professionals appraised of overdose activity.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
