St. Louis County (KMOX) - Overdose deaths are so high in St Louis County, bodies are being stacked upon one another in the medical examiners office.
"Chronic shortages of space means that the bodies of individuals are often being stacked upon one another and this is not a dignified way to handle bodies of loved ones, " Dr. Sam Page said in a news conference posted on Facebook.
Page says the medical examiner's office has no other option to make room.
"Grieving families who come to identify a loved one share a tiny lobby with delivery drivers and anyone else entering the building, making those emotional moments that much harder for relatives."
Page believes the increase is from an opioid and fentanyl spike seen during the pandemic. The county has boosted the availability of Narcan - every police officer carries it and it's given to every detainee that leaves the justice center.
Page says the Department of Public Health intends to increase the supply and distribution of Narcan in the coming months. The department is also working on a two year action plan to bring awareness and expand treatment.
St Louis County is getting 45 million dollars from the state's opioid settlement announced last month.
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