PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — The Rhode Island Department of Health issued an overdose spike alert Tuesday for four northern Rhode Island towns after a rise in drug overdoses.

From Aug. 26 to Sept. 1, Cumberland, Lincoln, Smithfield and North Smithfield reported more non-fatal overdoses than usual, according to the Health Department.

The four towns make up "Region 3" — one of 11 areas the state tracks for overdose trends. In that region, a spike is defined as seven or more non-fatal opioid overdoses in a week.

Region 3's 180-day overdose rate has reportedly been lower than the statewide average. The last overdose spike alert for the area was issued on Feb. 27.

The Health Department issued similar alerts twice this summer for Burrillville, Foster, Glocester and Scituate.

Overdose Preventio

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