Overdose Spike Alert: Northern Rhode Island

The Rhode Island Department of Health has issued an overdose spike alert for Cumberland, Lincoln, Smithfield, and North Smithfield after a sharp rise in overdoses between August 26 and September 1.

These alerts are triggered when a city or region sees more non-fatal overdoses than usual in a single week. The last alert for this region was back in February 2025.

Health officials warn that fentanyl continues to dominate the drug supply and has been found not only in opioids but also in stimulants such as cocaine, crack, meth, and even counterfeit pills.

What you can do:

    •    Learn the signs of overdose and how to respond.

    •    Carry naloxone (Narcan), available at pharmacies and for free by mail at Prevent Overdose RI.

    •    Call 988 for 24/7 crisis support, or connect with local resources like the BH Link Walk-In Triage Center or the Rhode Island Buprenorphine Hotline (401-606-5456).

More info and local resources: PreventOverdoseRI.org

•    Connect with local resources like Community Care Alliance (24/7 Crisis Line: 401-235-7120)

    •    Help raise awareness by forwarding this overdose spike alert to people you know or sharing this link so others can sign up.   

    •    Get involved with the Governor’s Overdose Task Force and stay informed through Task Force newsletters.