RIDOH issues overdose spike alert for Cranston and northern RI

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The Rhode Island Department of Health has issued an overdose spike alert after a sudden increase in nonfatal overdoses was reported in two regions of the state.

Health officials said the alert applies to Region 7, which includes Cranston, and Region 1, which includes Burrillville, Foster, Glocester, and Scituate.

According to RIDOH, the alert was triggered after both regions recorded more overdoses than usual between March 2 and March 8.

What an overdose spike alert means

An overdose spike alert is issued when a Rhode Island municipality or region experiences a sudden increase in nonfatal overdoses within a short period.

The alert is intended to notify the public and provide access to local overdose prevention resources and services.

State using new monitoring system

As of Jan. 1, 2026, RIDOH began using the Overdose Spike Alert System to track overdose trends across the state.

The system allows health officials to monitor overdoses linked to multiple substances, including opioids such as heroin and fentanyl, as well as stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine. The system also tracks overdoses involving benzodiazepines and other drugs.

Because the new system monitors a wider range of substances, officials say the number of reported overdoses and the thresholds used to trigger alerts may appear higher than in the past.

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.