North Vernon police warn of rising overdoses in city

North Vernon is seeing a dangerous increase in overdoses and police are urging residents to protect themselves by knowing where to find free Narcan in the community.

The North Vernon Police Department said that last week there were multiple overdose calls in a short period of time and one fatality. They say that if you know of someone struggling with substance use you should look out for each other and don’t hesitate to seek help.

Police say that there are sites in Jennings County that offer free Narcan. The boxes are available 24/7 and are fully stocked.

Those include

• The front area of the Wayside Inn
• By the back door at Centerstone
• At the front entrance of St. Vincent Jennings Hospital
• And at Country Squire Lakes behind the old changing station.

Drug Task Force Commander Graham Heffelfinger said that the “Narcan is free, it’s accessible, and it can give someone another chance to get help. One minute can make the difference between life and death.”

For an overdose in progress, you should call 911. For help during a mental health crisis you can call 988