Kathy Keene
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Heroin overdoses bring new strategy

Overdose deaths from heroin doubled over the last three or four years in Winnebago County, and officials are trying a new strategy to fight the problem.

District Attorney Christian Gossett says officers are taking blood samples from overdose patients, and if they have heroin in their system, they'll face a drug possession charge.

Gossett says his goal is to get them treatment, and not to lock them up. He says many heroin addicts won't seek help unless they're forced.

Gossett says the problem isn't going away, but he hopes the strategy encourages some people to give up the drug.

He says 27 people died from drug overdoses in Winnebago County last year, and many of them were caused by heroin.

posted : February, 15th by WHBY


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