ITHACA, N.Y. (WHCU) – The Tompkins County Whole Health Department has published the most recent drug-related death data.

The numbers show a steady increase from 18 deaths in 2018 to 28 in each of the last two years. The Tompkins County Medical Examiner’s Office has confirmed 3 overdose deaths already in 2024, with three additional cases pending toxicology reports.

“We must take steps to reverse the deadly trend that we’re seeing,” said Whole Health Commissioner Frank Kruppa. “This data shows that approximately two or more people are dying each month in our community from an overdose. We are urging everyone to become familiar with overdose prevention resources because we know that many of these deaths are preventable.”

Recent testing done by the Southern Tier Aids Program (STAP) showed nearly all street drugs were contaminated with fentanyl or xylazine. Of 105 samples of heroin collected in the past 9 months from Tompkins and Broome County, 100% contained fentanyl and 74% contained xylazine in various amounts.

“Assume all illicit street drugs are contaminated with dangerous compounds that significantly increase chance of death from an overdose,” said  Kruppa. “If you are using illicit street drugs, please have your drugs tested, either at STAP or by using testing strips, and never use alone.”