STEUBENVILLE — Jefferson County officials are sounding the alarm about an uptick in fatal drug overdoses.

Health District Director Andrew Henry said Friday eight overdose deaths have been recorded to date in Jefferson County, four of them in April.

“By comparison, there were 10 throughout all of 2025,” he said.

Fatalities were confirmed in Steubenville, Wintersville, Mingo Junction, Brilliant and Bloomingdale, he said. Four deaths were confirmed in April alone.

“Four of the eight were in Steubenville, (with) at least one in the other communities,” he said. “Given the population density of Steubenville compared to the other areas, that’s to be expected.”

It’s a far cry from the record 40 drug deaths reported in 2022, but any increase is concerning. Henry said fentanyl “continues to be the most heavily identified drug based on the death certificates.”

“At this point, I would definitely say Jefferson County residents who know of friends or family with addiction struggles need to be on high alert,” he said.

Henry said the Jefferson County General Health District is urging residents to understand the risks of drug and alcohol abuse.

“If you or someone you know struggles with opioid addiction, always carry naloxone (Narcan),” he said. “Furthermore, even though the JCGHD never encourages drug use of any kind, if you cannot overcome the urge to use illicit drugs, never use alone. The 988 Lifeline is available for mental health and drug crisis situations. Also, you can call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders.”

Naloxone is available at the health department and the Family Recovery Center, he said. “There are also a number of NaloxBoxes located throughout Jefferson County that can be accessed around the clock at locations including Chrysalis Health on Sunset Boulevard, the Jefferson County Justice Center and 107 Main St. in Wintersville by the Trinity Health System physician clinics. The naloxone supply is checked regularly in these NaloxBoxes, but please call the JCGHD at (740) 283-8350 if you notice that a box has been emptied.”